The festive period is almost upon us and fans can enjoy four blockbuster friendlies over Christmas, as we eagerly await the start of the 2024 rugby league campaigns.
But 2023 is not over yet, and with a celebration of local rivalries to conclude the year, we preview the four upcoming derbies over the next few days...
Bradford Bulls vs. Halifax Panthers (Christmas Eve)
A Christmas Eve extravaganza is on the cards, as Bradford Bulls lock horns with Halifax Panthers in their Christmas Challenge clash at Odsal Stadium, kick off 12:00pm.
Two new head coaches will be put to the test, where this match will mark the beginning of Bradford boss Eammon O’Carroll’s era, and also be Liam Finn’s first game in charge of the Panthers.
It will be an opportunity for new Bulls signings Dan Smith, John Davies and Mitch Souter to make their first appearances in front of home crowd, whilst Halifax’s new additions Greg Eden, Olly Davies and Brandon Douglas will pull on the blue and white for the first time - in what is set to be a fiery contest for bragging rights.
Leeds Rhinos vs. Wakefield Trinity (Boxing Day)
The annual Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge returns this Boxing Day, where Leeds Rhinos host Daryl Powell’s Trinity side at the AMT Headingley Stadium, kick off 11:30am.
This will be the 20th year that the two clubs have met in this annual match, and with Wakefield Trinity’s relegation to the Betfred Championship for 2024, it could be the only meeting between the two West Yorkshire rivals for the foreseeable.
Both sides are freshly-faced with strong recruitment drives in the off-season, with the Rhinos set to introduce four new signings to their fans – England international Andy Ackers, France forward Mickael Goudemand, and NRL recruits Lachlan Miller and Matt Frawley.
Wakefield, on the other hand, will enter their new era after a recent and big change in the club’s ownership. With an array of optimistic changes that followed and with a determined Daryl Powell at the helm, this side will be aiming to showcase their pre-season progress so far and show they mean business going into the 2024 campaign.
Leeds have a better winning record where these encounters are concerned, but Wakefield have produced big Boxing Days wins in 2015 and 2016 respectively, including a fantastic and probably an unexpected 38-20 victory in 2022, where Trinity scored four tries in the final quarter to cement the win. Therefore, fans can expect an enticing spectacle this time out, but which team will triumph?
This match will also be shown exclusively on Our League for fans to watch from the comfort of their own home for an early bird price of just £6.49, rising to £10 on match day. To purchase the Our League stream, click here.
Dewsbury Rams vs. Batley Bulldogs (Boxing Day)
Another annual festive feast comes in the form of the Heavy Woollen Derby when two old foes come face to face at the FLAIR Stadium, kick off 12:12pm.
This Boxing Day contest dates back decades, with these two sides competing for the Roy Powell trophy – and it is Batley who are the current holders, following last year’s emphatic 32-22 win at the Fox's Biscuits Stadium.
Although neither team would like to admit it, these rivals will have undoubtedly missed each other in last year’s campaign, after Dewsbury were relegated to Betfred League One in 2022. With both sides now reconciled in the Championship, following Dewsbury's impressive promotion charge, and with two new head coaches Dale Ferguson (Dewsbury) and Mark Moxon (Batley) on board, there will be no love lost come Boxing Day.
Both sides will be more than ready to test themselves in this fierce, traditional contest, and look to build momentum heading into the 2024 campaign.
Keighley Cougars vs. Oldham RLFC (Boxing Day)
Perhaps not a local derby, but this Boxing Day encounter between Keighley Cougars and Oldham RLFC at Cougar Park is set to be a thrilling one, kick off 13:00.
Keighley are adjusting to life in Betfred League One, following their disappointing relegation from the Championship in 2023, whereas Oldham will be raring to go again after a strong campaign saw them finish a respectable fourth place.
With both sides seeking promotion in 2024, this pre-season friendly is an opportunity for both teams to put their pre-season preparations into practice and see where they’re both at – which should make for an interesting watch.
