Holders Catalans Dragons may miss out on playing in the Challenge Cup due to a dispute with the Rugby Football League (RFL) over a proposed £500,000 deposit to enter the 2019 competition. 

The Dragons made history last season when they became the first non-English side to lift the trophy, beating Super League rivals Warrington Wolves 20-14 at Wembley. 

However, the victory came a cost for the RFL as the final failed to bring in revenues of previous seasons. 

As a result, the RFL has asked Catalans to provide a cash bond to ensure projected figures would be met this year. 

Reports have suggested the Toronto Wolfpack and Toulouse have already declined to pay such a fee, and the Dragons could follow suit after asking the governing body to reconsider their request. 

In a statement released by Catalans, club chairman Bernard Guasch said: "The club has been officially advised in December that a £500,000 deposit will be asked by the RFL to play in the Challenge Cup in 2019. 

"We, as a club, want to participate to this prestigious competition and defend our title but it would be irresponsible to accept this decision.

"Thus, we have asked the RFL to reconsider its demand and we are now waiting for a decision.

"The players would be very frustrated not being able to defend their title and we hope that we’ll have an answer as soon as possible."

When contacted by Omnisport, an RFL spokesperson said: "We have been surprised and disappointed by the uncertainty over the Catalans Dragons' participation in the 2019 Challenge Cup, which surfaced just before Christmas.

"We have been in discussions with the club since then, and will continue those discussions to search for a solution."