Match Preview | We welcome Halifax to Dronfield this weekend

28/07/2026

Sheffield Eagles begin August with a home clash against Halifax Panthers on Sunday afternoon, as Round 22 of the Betfred Championship gets underway at 3pm.

Craig Lingard’s side head into the fixture on the back of five consecutive victories, following an emphatic 56-6 win over Rochdale Hornets last Sunday. The result keeps the Eagles firmly within touching distance of the Championship’s top six as we enter the business end of the season.

Halifax return to action this weekend after enjoying a weekend off, with Kyle Eastmond’s side looking to build on their most recent victory at Dewsbury.

Despite currently sitting 19th in the league table following a points deduction earlier this year, Halifax have recorded eight wins from their 19 Betfred Championship fixtures so far this season and will provide another stern test for the Eagles.

Sheffield came out on top in the reverse fixture earlier this year, with our rearranged Round 3 clash at The Shay ending in a 28-14 victory for the Eagles back in May.

With another important Championship clash on the horizon, take a look below for everything you need to know ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Halifax Panthers.

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 from midday on gamedays 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: £5

* Please note that all prices, except Juniors, 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.

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.

PARKING / DISABLED PARKING INFORMATION.

Parking is available on-site at the MEPS International Home of Football Stadium on a first-come, first-served basis. 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 or call 0114 398 1998.

Please note: All accessible parking requests must be pre-booked at least 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 afternoon.

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

This weekend’s match will be officiated by Aaryn Belafonte.

The Championship referee was in charge of our Round 16 trip to Barrow Raiders earlier this year, when we were narrowly defeated 18-16.

Belafonte has refereed Halifax twice so far in 2026, most recently taking charge of their 94-0 victory over North Wales in Round 17.

Last weekend, he officiated London Broncos’ 78-16 victory over Midlands Hurricanes.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Last ten meetings:

Halifax 14, Sheffield 28 (ChR3, 15/5/26)

Halifax 46, Sheffield 6 (ChR21, 10/8/25)

(at Bartercard Odsal, Bradford)

Sheffield 14, Halifax 28 (ChR1, 16/2/25)

(at Olympic Legacy Park)

Sheffield 28, Halifax 0 (ChR14, 5/7/24)

(at Olympic Legacy Park)

Halifax 0, Sheffield 46 (ChR5, 21/4/24)

Sheffield 32, Halifax 30 (ChR20, 28/7/23)

(at Olympic Legacy Park)

Halifax 26, Sheffield 18 (ChR1, 5/2/23)

Sheffield 26, Halifax 32 (ChR23, 12/8/22)

(at Olympic Legacy Park)

Halifax 38, Sheffield 14 (ChR11, 15/5/22)

Sheffield 28, Halifax 40 (ChR14, 25/7/21)

(at Mobile Rocket Stadium, Wakefield)

KEEP UPDATED WITH THE GAME

If your 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