Festive Friendlies Preview

The festive period is upon us and fans can enjoy three blockbuster friendlies over Christmas, as we eagerly await the start of the 2025 Rugby League campaigns.

But 2024 is not over yet, and with a celebration of local rivalries to conclude the year, we preview the three upcoming derbies…

Bradford Bulls v Keighley Cougars (Sunday 22 December)

The first festive friendly sees Bradford Bulls lock horns with Keighley Cougars in their ‘City of Culture Clash’ at Bartercard Odsal Stadium, (K.O. 3pm).

It’s Brian Noble’s first game back in charge as the Bulls head coach, as he takes the reins for a second time following a trophy-laden spell in the early noughties.

Their new era begins with a battle against their neighbours with the winners receiving the Joe Phillips Memorial Trophy.

The Bulls have enjoyed a resurgence in the off-season, with ‘Noblemania’ attracting new and old fans back to the club. 

Following a strong recruitment drive, fans attending could get their first glimpse at a host of new signings including Emmanuel Waine, James Meadows and Matty Gee – as well as some familiar faces in Joe Keyes and James Donaldson, who have returned to the club for 2025.

Both teams will be looking to have a decent run out, with Bradford aiming to be a dominant force in next year’s Betfred Championship, while Keighley’s eyes are firmly on achieving promotion from Betfred League One.

Leeds Rhinos v Wakefield Trinity (Boxing Day)

The annual Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge returns this Boxing Day, where Leeds Rhinos host Daryl Powell’s Trinity side at AMT Headingley Stadium, (K.O. 11:30am).

It is good pre-season preparation for both teams who will meet again in Round 1 of the Betfred Super League in February.

These two sides will renew a local rivalry as they meet for the first time since the 2023 Festive Challenge, in which the Rhinos ran out 41-22 victors.

Wakefield then went on to spend the following year in the Betfred Championship, achieving a treble-winning season before being promoted back into Super League and will be looking to contest with the best once again.

Leeds, who agonisingly missed out on the Play-Offs last season, will be hoping for a big year under Brad Arthur.

This will be the 21st time that the two clubs have met in this annual match. Leeds have the better winning record by a great deal, with Wakefield managing to produce big Boxing Days wins in 2015 and 2016, and most recently a 38-20 victory in 2022.

It’s an opportunity for both teams to showcase their new signings. The Rhinos have recruited strongly with the likes of an overseas Keenan Palasia from Gold Coast Titans, Maika Sivo from Parramatta Eels, as well as Cooper Jenkins from North Devils.

Club legend Ryan Hall also returns to the Rhinos for 2025, and Jake Connor has made the short move from neighbours Huddersfield.

Likewise, Trinity have had a huge shake-up in their squad as they head back into Super League. Tom Johnstone is back at Belle Vue and will be hoping to pick up his try-scoring antics once more next year, whilst Jake Trueman and Mike McMeeken connect back up with their former Castleford coach.

Cameron Scott and Corey Hall and Matty Storton make the move from the City of Hull, with Josh Rourke, who starred in a struggling London Broncos last year, also joining Trinity. Highly rated Queensland prospect Seth Nikotemo will also be one to watch in the red, white and blue.

Batley Bulldogs v Dewsbury Rams (Boxing Day)

The third and annual festive feast comes in the form of the Heavy Woollen Derby when two old foes come face to face at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium, (K.O. 12pm).

This Boxing Day contest dates back decades, with these two sides competing for the Roy Powell trophy.

Bragging rights and spoils were shared last year with a tasty 12-12 draw, so expect another thrilling encounter this time around.

With the Rams’ relegation to Betfred League One for 2025, it could be the only meeting between the two West Yorkshire rivals for the foreseeable. 

Both sides will be more than ready to test themselves in this fierce, traditional contest, and look to build momentum heading into the 2025 campaign.

Tickets and more information for these Festive Friendlies can be found on each of the club's official websites.