1984–85 John Player Special Trophy

This was the fourteenth season for the League Cup, which was again known as the John Player Special Trophy for sponsorship purposes.

Hull Kingston Rovers claimed the trophy by beating their local rivals Hull F.C. by the score of 12–0 in the final. The match was played at Boothferry Park, Kingston upon Hull on 26 January 1985 and the attendance was 25,326. Gate receipts were £69,355 (equivalent to £215,000 in 2025).

This season saw several changes in the entrants:

1. Cardiff City Blue Dragons were renamed Bridgend Blue Dragons and Kent Invicta were renamed Southend Invicta
2. Mansfield Marksman and Sheffield Eagles joined the league and also the competition
3. Huyton changed their name to Runcorn Highfield and moved from Alt Park, Huyton to Canal Street, Runcorn
4. and the re-introduction of the invitation to two junior clubs.

This involved an increase in entrants to thirty-eight, in turn resulting in a six-match, 12-club preliminary round to reduce the number of clubs taking part in the first round proper to thirty-two.

Involved six matches and 12 clubs

Involved 16 matches and 32 clubs

Involved 8 matches and 16 clubs

Involved one match and two clubs

Involved 4 matches with 8 clubs:

Involved two matches and four clubs:

As part of the sponsorship deal and funds, the prize money awarded to the competing teams for this season is as follows :-

This tree excludes any preliminary round fixtures

• 1984–85 Rugby Football League season
• 1984 Lancashire Cup
• 1984 Yorkshire Cup
• John Player Special Trophy
• Rugby league county cups