PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY CONFIRMED - BATLEY (A)

Canes to face Bulldogs in pre-season fixture

We are pleased to confirm that the Midlands Hurricanes will face Batley Bulldogs at The Fox’s Biscuits Stadium in a pre-season friendly. This will be the first time the two clubs have played against each other.

Imbued with the historical significance of being one of the original 22 teams to break away and form the Northern Rugby Football Union in 1895, Batley are an established Championship team and having competed in the UK’s second tier since the start of the Super League era (having been controversially denied promotion in 1995). Their more recent fortunes have been mixed; a strong 2023 campaign saw the Bulldogs make the 1895 Cup Final (losing 12-10 to Halifax) and only just miss out on the 2023 playoffs on points difference to York Knights. By contrast, the 2024 campaign saw Batley finish 10th and only two wins above 12th-placed Swinton (who were relegated by Hunslet in the relegation play-off final). The Heavy Woollen District-based club will certainly be hoping for a stronger 2025.

The game will take place at 2pm on Saturday 18 January 2025, meaning the Canes will have the benefit of having played Championship opposition a week before they host their Second Round Challenge Cup fixture against the winners of Southern Conference League Champions Hammersmith Hills Hoists and National Conference Premier League Finalsts Siddal ARLFC.

Head Coach Mark Dunning on facing the Bulldogs:

“We’re looking forward to our trip to Batley as an important part of our pre-season preparations. 

When Mokko (Batley Head Coach Mark Moxon) approached me about this fixture it fit really well with our pre-season plans, so we took the opportunity straight away.

Batley are a very strong, well-run and established Championship club and will provide a stern test for our boys which we’re all looking forward to.”

Ticket information will be confirmed by Batley in due course.