PLAYOFFS SECURED: MIDLANDS HURRICANES MAKE HISTORY

Canes make Betfred League One Playoffs for the first time

Following North Wales Crusaders’ 28-10 loss to Rochdale Hornets this afternoon, we are delighted to confirm that the club are guaranteed at least a 6th place finish and will compete in the Betfred League One playoffs for the first time since joining the professional leagues in 2015. This is a historic moment for rugby league in the Midlands and full credit must go to Head Coach Mark Dunning, Assistant Coach Leigh Beattie and every player who has pulled on a Hurricanes shirt this season. We would also like to place on record our appreciation and gratitude to all former players and staff of the club over the previous nine seasons and beyond, who have all played their part in promoting the greatest sport in the world to an area well and truly outside its traditional base.

As the Canes cannot end the season higher than their current position of 5th place even if they defeat Hunslet at The Alex on Sunday, the club will compete in the elimination playoff against Workington Town following their victory against Newcastle Thunder this afternoon. Details of the game are to be confirmed, but will take place during the weekend of Saturday 14 September/Sunday 15 September.

Whether the elimination playoff takes place at The Alexander Stadium or Derwent Park will depend on each club’s performance against Hunslet and Oldham respectively next week, however the Canes go into the final round of the regular season with a superior points difference, meaning Workington will need to convincingly beat 2024 League One Champions Oldham at Boundary Park to maximise their chances of a home tie.

The winner of the elimination playoff will then face a trip to the loser of the qualifying playoff between Hunslet RLFC and Rochdale Hornets in the elimination semi-final, which will take place during the weekend of Saturday 21 September/Sunday 22 September. For the loser, their playoff race will come to an end so this is NOT a game you will want to miss.

A reminder of the full Betfred League One playoff structure for this season can be found HERE.

As mentioned previously, whilst we are obviously delighted to have guaranteed our place in the playoffs we have a final game of the regular season at The Alex as we look to end the league campaign with a third successive win. That game will also be immediately followed by the club’s End of Season awards, which promises to be a great evening for everybody connected with the club. Tickets for the game, as well as upgrades to hospitality and/or the End of Season awards, can be bought HERE.