MATCH PREVIEW | Batley Bulldogs (H) | Betfred Championship Playoff Eliminator

03/09/2026

The Eagles begin their Betfred Championship playoff campaign this Sunday as we welcome Batley Bulldogs to the MEPS International Home of Football for a Playoff Eliminator (3pm KO).

With no second chance this weekend, it’s all or nothing for Craig Lingard’s side. Victory will see the Eagles progress to the next round of the playoffs, where we'd face the lowest-ranked side defeated in the Qualifying Semi-Finals between Doncaster, Widnes Vikings and Barrow Raiders.

Defeat, however, will bring our playoff campaign to an immediate end.

The Eagles head into Sunday’s clash with confidence following a crucial 12-8 victory over Widnes Vikings in our final game of the regular season last Thursday. The result secured seventh place in the Championship and gave the Eagles a slightly longer break ahead of their opening playoff fixture.

Our visitors, Batley Bulldogs, finished the regular season in 10th place after suffering a home defeat to Salford RLFC on the final day of the campaign.

Sunday’s encounter will also be the first meeting between the two sides this season, adding an extra element of intrigue to what promises to be a huge afternoon in Dronfield.

Scroll down and read all the key information you need to know ahead of Sunday, including your reminder that it’s FREE for all U16’s for this weekend’s game, something you should take advantage of!

SPECTATOR’S GUIDE

We have produced this guide to help you with everything you need to know ahead of your visit to The MEPS International Home of Football Stadium, including the best ways to get there, facilities, and much more.

Please click HERE to read.

CASHLESS VENUE

Please note that The MEPS International Home of Football Stadium is a cashless facility.

Card payments are only accepted, including food, drink, and parking.

COACH & HORSES PUB

We have an on-site pub located just outside the stadium, welcoming both home and away supporters, the perfect place to enjoy the pre-match atmosphere.

The Coach and Horses opens ahead of kick off from 12pm and remains open after the final whistle, making it ideal for both pre-match and post-match drinks.

TICKETS

Match Tickets for Sunday's game remain on sale, and you’re able to secure your spot for this game now by clicking HERE.

Ticket prices for the game are as follows:

Adults: £18

Concessions (16-18, 65+): £13

U16’s: FREE

* Please note that all prices, except U16’s, will rise on a gameday by £2.

 * Please note that we have an open seating plan in place at the stadium. People will have the option to be able to sit down anywhere or stand up.

*  Please do not stand in front of the seated stands

 * We strongly ask all supporters to purchase their tickets in advance of the game by buying online though our online ticketing portal. 

TURNSTILES

Turnstiles will open at 2pm. Supporters are encouraged to arrive early to facilitate a smooth entry into the stadium and avoid any delays.

PARKING / DISABLED PARKING INFORMATION.

Parking is available on-site at the MEPS International Home of Football Stadium on a first-come, first-served basis (£5). Please note that card payments only are accepted for parking.

A limited number of designated accessible parking spaces are also available on-site, subject to availability. To request an accessible parking space, please email Mark.Hannigan@sheffieldeagles.com.

Please note: All accessible parking requests must be pre-booked no later than 48 hours before a home fixture.

Please note that the car park closes exactly an hour after the final whistle, so if you’re staying at the Coach & Horses for a drink after the game, you may have to make alternative parking arrangements.

CONCESSIONS

Supporters will be able to enjoy a wide range of food and drink from the stadium's concession stands throughout the evening.

Hot food options include sausage rolls (£3.50), burgers (£3.50), cheeseburgers (£4.00), cheeseburger & chips (£7.00), and chips (£3.50).

The drinks menu features San Miguel, Guinness, Guinness 0.0 and Thatchers (all £5.00), alongside Holsten Pils (£4.00). Non-alcoholic options include cans of soft drinks and a selection of hot beverages (both £2.50).

A variety of confectionery will also be available, including Pringles (£2.50) and chocolate bars (£2.00).

Please note: All stadium concession outlets are card payment only.

MATCH REFEREE

Sunday’s match will be officiated by Scott Mikalauskas.

It will be the fourth time Mikalauskas has taken charge of an Eagles fixture in 2026, having previously refereed our league defeats at home to Doncaster and London Broncos, as well as our Betfred Challenge Cup third-round defeat away to Warrington Wolves in February.

His most recent appointment came last Sunday, when he officiated the clash between Rochdale Hornets and Oldham RLFC at the Crown Oil Arena..

HEAD-TO-HEAD (Last Ten Meetings)

Batley 24, Sheffield 14 (ChR15, 29/6/25)

Sheffield 50, Batley 18 (ChR8, 25/4/25)

(at Olympic Legacy Park)

Sheffield 14, Batley 24 (ChR20, 16/8/24)

(at Olympic Legacy Park)

Batley 31, Sheffield 18 (ChR10, 2/6/24)

Sheffield 26, Batley 10 (1895C-QF, 3/3/24)

(at Olympic Legacy Park)

Batley 6, Sheffield 49 (ChR23, 25/8/23)

Sheffield 36, Batley 0 (ChR3, 17/2/23)

(at Olympic Legacy Park)

Batley 32, Sheffield 22 (ChR4, 3/8/22)

Sheffield 18, Batley 20 (ChR18, 8/7/22)

(at Olympic Legacy Park)

Batley 56, Sheffield 12 (ChR18, 22/8/21)

GROUND REGULATIONS

Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with our Ground Regulations before your visit.

Click HERE to read them in full, to help ensure a safe and enjoyable matchday experience for everyone.

KEEP UPDATED WITH THE GAME

If you’re unable to make it to the game, then here is a list of ways to keep updated with what’s going on.

- Live Match Updates on X

- Live Match Commentary

- Match Report

- Post-Match Interviews

- Match Highlights on SETV