Bradford announce friendly in New Year

Bradford have announced they will welcome Batley to Odsal in a pre-season friendly in January.

The match, which will take place on Sunday 9th January, is a repeat of this year’s Championship Semi-Final Eliminator match. The match will kick off at 3pm.

On that day, Batley claimed a 23-10 victory at The Fox’s Biscuits Stadium thanks to 15 points from halfback Tom Gilmore.

Since that game, Bradford have acquired outside back Elliot Hall from Batley. He could play his first game in Bradford colours against his old club.

Also in line for a potential first Bradford appearance here could be Samy Kibula, Ryan Millar, Dec Patton, Kieran Gill and Sam Scott.

Meanwhile, at Batley, they could give debuts to London pair James Meadows and Josh Hodson, as well as Perry Whiteley.

Championship Transfers: Championship ins and outs for 2022: Signings and retentions club-by-club

Championship fixtures announced

Recently, the Championship fixtures were announced for the 2022 season.

Bradford start the season away to Dewsbury later in January. Their first game at Odsal takes place a week later when Sheffield make the journey across Yorkshire.

As for Batley, they welcome Halifax in Round One. They then travel to Newcastle in the Thunder’s first home match as a full-time team.

They will both be hoping to build on strong campaigns last year. Both sides qualified for the playoffs. As it stands, Bradford are ranked as fifth favourites with the bookmakers and Batley are considered outsiders.

Both clubs will enter the Challenge Cup in Round Four at the end of February. Something else that is also yet to be decided is the venue for the Summer Bash. For the first time, it won’t be at Bloomfield Road in Blackpool due to a clash with the opening weekend of the EFL.

Read More: Summer Bash won’t be at Blackpool in 2022