Rugby League pre-season friendlies have taken place for the second weekend in a row, as teams from Super League and the Championship further their 2026 preparations.
Last week, Sheffield Eagles and North Wales Crusaders kicked off their warm-up fixtures with wins over Keighley Cougars and Swinton Lions respectively, in what were the only matches to be played before Christmas.
Three more games took place across the weekend, with Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity’s Boxing Day match one of those.
A Player of the Match performance from youngster George Brown that included a solo try helped Leeds take the spoils in that one, with new signings Jeremiah Mata’utia and Trey Lolesio standing out for their respective sides.
Also on Boxing Day, the traditions ‘Heavy Woollen Derby’ between Batley Bulldogs and Dewsbury Rams took place. James Ford’s first game in charge of Batley was victorious, as the Bulldogs scored three tries to see off their local rivals 18-0.
Jack Hudson, former Huddersfield academy man and son of ex-Super League forward Ryan Hudson, opened the scoring, before two tries from former Leeds youngster Joe Burton rounded off the victory.
On Sunday, December 28, North Wales had their second game in consecutive weeks, as they made the long journey up to Cumbria to face Barrow Raiders.
Their second pre-season outing wouldn’t be as successful as their first, as they were defeated 50-24. Former Salford and Wigan prop Joe Bullock was named Player of the Match, whilst ex-St Helens flyer Tee Ritson opened the scoring two minutes into the game.
This weekend, there are two more games to look forward to, as Barrow take to the field once again, this time against Whitehaven, and Halifax Panthers host Rochdale Hornets for James Saltonstall’s testimonial fixture.
For a full run-down of every rugby league pre-season fixture and result, you can click this link here.
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