Round 22 of the Betfred Championship has arrived, kicking off with Barrow facing Rochdale on Saturday evening.
There are now a matter of weeks before the Play-Offs begin, meaning every minute matters as teams fight to secure their place in the top ten.
It could arguably be the Hornets’ last chance to push for the top ten, whereas the Raiders have already ensured their place in the Play-Offs and will now be hoping to finish as high as they possibly can.
Barrow have won their last five home meetings with Rochdale and haven’t lost to these opponents on home soil since 2016.
Sunday is where most of the action takes place, including two standout ties in Doncaster versus Oldham and Widnes Vikings versus London Broncos.
But first, Midlands entertain Keighley and are searching for a fifth straight win.
A win for the Hurricanes would almost certainly guarantee them a place in the Play-Offs.
It is the Cougars, however, who have won their last three away meetings with Midlands.
Then, Swinton and Batley go to battle. For Batley, it’s a very important two points, with the Bulldogs currently occupying the tenth and final Play-Off spot in the table. The likes of Dewsbury, Salford, Goole and Rochdale are right behind Batley in the standings, meaning the chase to the finish line is well and truly on.
And Batley’s fierce rivals Dewsbury will face Hunslet this weekend, where for a big win would keep the Rams firmly in the Play-Off race for 2026.
Paul March’s side have won their last 12 home meetings with Hunslet, so will be feeling confident heading into Sunday’s fixture at the FLAIR Stadium.
A blockbuster encounter awaits when Doncaster meet Oldham. The Dons have performed strongly in their last two matches, but the third-placed Roughyeds are heavy favourites, having impressively won their last sixteen league matches.
Another standout tie of the round then sees league leaders London travel to Widnes where there is a valuable two points on offer. It will also be a warm-up of the 1895 Cup Final on Monday 31 August and fans can enjoy a taste of what is to come.
The Broncos are yet to taste defeat in 2026, but can Allan Coleman’s Vikings have anything to say about that?
Meanwhile, North Wales Crusaders welcome Goole to Colwyn Bay, Sheffield are at home to Halifax as they look to solidify their Play-Off spot, whilst second-placed Newcastle Thunder are away at Workington.
Betfred Championship Round 22 fixtures:
Saturday 1 August
Barrow Raiders v Rochdale Hornets (K.O. 6pm)
Sunday 2 August
Midlands Hurricanes v Keighley Cougars (K.O. 2pm)
Swinton Lions v Batley Bulldogs (K.O. 2pm)
Dewsbury Rams v Hunslet RLFC (K.O. 3pm)
Doncaster RLFC v Oldham RLFC (K.O. 3pm)
North Wales Crusaders v Goole Vikings (K.O. 3pm)
Sheffield Eagles v Halifax Panthers (K.O. 3pm)
Widnes Vikings v London Broncos (K.O. 3pm)
Workington Town v Newcastle Thunder (K.O. 3pm)
The full fixture list for the Betfred Championship can be found here.
