Troubled Salford set to open 2026 Championship season

Three Salford Red Devils players celebrate scoring a try during a match in 2025SWPix

Salford Red Devils last started a season outside Super League in 2008

Salford Red Devils are set to kick off the new Championship season after being scheduled to host Oldham on Friday, 16 January.

The Red Devils were relegated from Super League after a traumatic season but they face a winding-up petition in the High Court on Wednesday.

However, the club has already had the case adjourned on four occasions.

The new Championship will consist of 21 teams after the merger of the Championship and League One following the expansion of Super League from 12 to 14 teams for 2026.

London Broncos, with their Australian backers including former NRL and Australia star Darren Lockyer, are favourites to win the league and will face Widnes Vikings in their opening match on Sunday, 18 January.

The Championship will be contested over 24 rounds in the regular season. Ten of the fixtures will be based on 2025 league positions and two opponents will be based on geographical location.

For example, all three Cumbria clubs in the league - Barrow Raiders, Workington Town and Whitehaven will all play each other home and away, while, just like in Super League, a rivals round is set for Good Friday (3 April).

A play-off series involving the top 10 sides will then be staged in September, ahead of the Championship Grand Final on Sunday, 4 October.

"The exciting new structure ensures every single game will have meaning and, it is pleasing to see the return of many old rivalries, plus some intriguing stardust from new club ownership groups," said the RFL's interim CEO Abi Ekoku.

Championship - opening fixtures

Friday 16 January:

Salford Red Devils v Oldham

Sunday 18 January:

Barrow Raiders v Workington Town

Batley Bulldogs v Featherstone Rovers

Doncaster v Halifax Panthers

Hunslet v Dewsbury Rams

Keighley Cougars v Goole Vikings

London Broncos v Widnes Vikings

Midlands Hurricanes v Newcastle Thunder

Swinton Lions v Rochdale Hornets

Whitehaven v Sheffield Eagles

Bye week: North Wales Crusaders

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