2026 Opposition Insight | Dewsbury Rams
11/01/2026
By Will Russell
Third up in our Opposition Insight series is Dewsbury Rams. They're one of the sides who spent last year in Betfred League 1, the division below the Eagles, so they will be looking to make a name for themselves and take advantage of the opportunities coming with this year’s new combined division in 2026.
Finishing fourth in the league table last year, with ten wins and seven losses, it was a relatively successful season after being relegated from the Championship the year.
When we play them in 2026?
R8 | Sunday 29th March (A) | Flair Stadium
R18 | Sunday 28th June (H) | Steel City Stadium
2026 Recruitment
The Rams have been busy in their recruitment drive for this upcoming season as they look to strengthen their squad for the tougher opposition coming with the new format.
Looking to strengthen all over the pitch, their signings cover most positions, which include the likes of George Rayner, a young fullback from the Bradford Bulls, Jacob Parkinson, an exciting hooker signed from the highly-regarded Hull KR academy, and returning player Brad Graham, who spent three years at the Rams between 2022 and 2024.
Ones to Watch
Players to look out for include Craig McShane, Jack McShane and Paul Sykes.
Craig McShane swept the Rams’ awards for 2025, winning the Sponsors, Fans and Coaches Player of the Year, cementing himself as one to watch when the two sides meet later this year.
Jack McShane picked up one of the other awards, as he was voted Player’s Player of the season, highlighting his importance to the team’s success last year.
The Rams will also be looking to rely on the wealth of experience club legend Paul Sykes brings to the side, as he is set to play in a record-breaking 28th season in Rugby League.
2026 Squad
1 Craig McShane, 2 Thomas Delaney, 3 Caelum Jordan, 4 George Senior, 5 Liam Copland, 6 Daniel Coates, 7 Jacob Hookem, 8 Luke Nelmes, 9 Jack McShane, 11 Joseph Summers, 12 Luke Mearns, 14 Jacob Parkinson, 15 Jacob Bateman, 16 Louis Collinson, 17 Harvey Roberts, 18 Jack Briggs, 19 Louie Walker, 20 Valu Tane Bentley, 21 David Benson, 22 George Raynor, 23 Bradley Graham, 24 Alfie Wall, 25 Samuel Spencer, 26 Paul Sykes, 31 Aaron Lyne
