Leeds rugby league side Hunslet handed tough replacement fixtures after Featherstone Rovers' demise
Hunslet RLFC and Batley Bulldogs have both been handed tough replacements for their cancelled fixtures against Featherstone Rovers.
Rovers, who went into administration in December, were excluded from the competition earlier this month in a move that left some clubs facing the loss of a home fixture. The Championship was merged with League One in the off-season to produce a new 21-team competition, with sides meeting 13 of their rivals - selected on last year’s league position and local derbies - home and away.
Initially, the RFL said Rovers’ cancelled fixtures would be awarded to their opponents under a win percentage system and clubs would be compensated for the loss of a home game. However, after concerns from the clubs affected, the governing body have now announced replacement fixtures to ensure every side has a 24-game season. The table will revert to the traditional format of two points per win and one for drawn matches.
The new fixture list sees Hunslet face two meetings with title-favourites London Broncos. Bulldogs - who had been scheduled to open their campaign at home to Featherstone last weekend - will play another highly-fancied side, Oldham. Dates have yet to be announced. The replacement fixtures are: Halifax Panthers v Swinton Lions, North Wales Crusaders v Salford, Oldham v Batley Bulldogs, London Broncos v Hunslet RLFC, Doncaster v Barrow Raiders, Widnes Vikings v Goole Vikings.
The RFL say they are confident Rovers will be back in the Championship under new owners next year. Hunslet have launched a Rovers Return season ticket for Featherstone fans, with a percentage of the proceeds being donated to the revived club or its Foundation.