Batley Bulldogs preparing for play-off test against in-form Sheffield Eagles
Batley Bulldogs face their biggest game of 2026 this Sunday, September 6 (kick off 3pm) when they travel to Sheffield Eagles for a crucial play-off eliminator.
The Bulldogs ended the Championship season in tenth place having been edged out by Salford 18-16 in the final game of the regular campaign at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium last Sunday.
A win would have set up a play-off tie with eighth placed Midlands Hurricanes but the narrow defeat means that Batley now meet Sheffield at the MEPS International Home of Football Stadium for the first round of the end-of-season extravaganza.
It will be the first meeting between the pair in 2026 due to the new league structure, although James Ford’s men have not beaten a side which finished in the top ten this year.
The Bulldogs’ fixtures included home and away games at London Broncos (first), Newcastle Thunder (second), Oldham (third), Doncaster (fourth), and Midlands Hurricanes (ninth) but they lost all ten games.
A first win of 2026 against a fellow top ten team, therefore, would be very timely this Sunday.
It will be a tough ask, however, with the Eagles soaring on home soil. They have won their previous seven home games and have only suffered two defeats from their past ten Championship outings.
Should the Bulldogs come out victorious at MEPS International Home of Football Stadium, they will progress to the second round of the playoffs, where they would face an another away trip.
Supporters are advised to purchase tickets in advance. Adults are priced at £18, concessions £13, and under 16s are £5. Prices will increase by £2 on matchday (excluding juniors).
Tickets can be purchased at: https://sheffieldeagles.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/sheffield_eagles_vs_whitehavenbatley_playoffs