Dewsbury Rams to take on Eagles in Championship opener

The Rams’ last victory against the Eagles came in 2007, when tries from Danny Maun and Liam Finn helped Andy Kelly’s side to a comfortable league win.

The Eagles have won each of the last 16 encounters between the two teams since then, including a 28-12 victory at The Tetley’s Stadium in June.

But Glenn Morrison’s squad will be aiming to beat the curse and make it a thrilling opening night to Rugby League’s new era for the Rams when Sheffield return to Dewsbury.

“It’s a fantastic opening fixture for us and it will mean a lot to everyone if we can end this losing run against Sheffield,” said Rams chairman Mark Sawyer.

“And there’s no better time to do that than at the start of Rugby League’s ‘new era’ in front of a big crowd under the lights at The Tetley’s Stadium.

“It’ll be the first fixture in the entire Championship schedule and we intend to make it a huge event for the club and the town.”

The Rams’ Friday night showdown with the Eagles is followed nine days later by a trip to Derwent Park to face Workington Town.

There’s also a mouth-watering Easter weekend in prospect at the beginning of April.

The Rams travel to the LoveRugbyLeague.com Stadium to face Batley Bulldogs on Good Friday, before welcoming four-time Super League champions Bradford Bulls to the Tetley’s Stadium on Easter Monday.