Festive Friendlies Preview

The festive period is upon us, which also means the start of some warmly welcomed pre-season action!

Fans can enjoy three Rugby League friendlies over Christmas, as we eagerly await the 2026 campaigns.

Here are three matches taking place this week, as 2025 draws to a close…

Leeds Rhinos v Wakefield Trinity – Boxing Day, Friday 26 December (K.O. 11.30am)

A classic awaits on Boxing Day as the annual Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge makes its highly anticipated return.

Leeds Rhinos host local rivals Wakefield Trinity side at AMT Headingley Stadium at the usual kick off time of 11:30am, with fans predicted to be out in force.

The Rhinos enjoyed a strong 2025 season, securing their best Super League finish since 2017 (fourth place).

Similarly, Daryl Powell’s Trinity made a statement to the Betfred Super League competition in what was their first season back in top flight, as they managed to achieve a Play-Off spot.

Both sides will be looking to go bigger and better in 2026, with Friday’s game the perfect opportunity to test themselves and show off their new recruits.

For Leeds fans, it will be the first chance to see new signings Ethan O’Neill, Jeremian Mata’utia and Danny Levi in action ahead of the 2026 season.   

The Trinity Faithful are also in for a treat, with new additions Tray Lolesio from the Dolphins and former Leeds star Jack Sinfield both named in their match day squad.

In last year’s Boxing Day match-up, Leeds took the spoils with a thrilling 18-16 victory over their West Yorkshire opponents, but will we witness another classic this time round?

Looking back at the last decade, Wakefield have only managed three wins in 2015, 2016 and 2022, with Leeds dominating the Boxing Day winner’s record...

Dewsbury Rams v Batley Bulldogs – Boxing Day, Friday 26 December (K.O. 12pm)

The countdown is on for the Boxing Day tradition between old foes Dewsbury and Batley, with this year’s clash taking place at the FLAIR Stadium.

The Heavy Woollen-Derby is one that never disappoints with a bumper crowd expected as their fierce rivalry is finally renewed.

It’s the Bulldogs who have bragging rights from the 2024 Boxing Day Derby after they ran riot with a six-try display to retain the Roy Powell Trophy (36-16).

They also beat the Rams 26-4 in an early round Challenge Cup fixture back in February – their only meeting of 2025, due to Dewsbury’s drop down into the Betfred League One.

But with a newly-formed Betfred Championship for 2026, this confirms that the two teams will meet each other again in league, meaning that Friday provides the perfect preparation to practice facing off and to build momentum for their upcoming seasons.

Barrow Raiders v North Wales Crusaders – Sunday 28 December (K.O. 3pm)

Finally, there will be some action in Cumbria this Christmas as Barrow Raiders entertain North Wales Crusaders - two teams also prepping to be the best they can be in the 2026 Championship.

Tickets for each of these Festive Friendlies are available on the clubs' official websites.

To keep up to date with every pre-season fixture taking place, please visit the Rugby League Match Centre here.