Betfred League One Preview | Round 5

Round 5's Betfred League One action sees the two remaining unbeaten sides of the competition go head-to-head at Cougar Park, in arguably the match of the round.

Keighley Cougars will entertain North Wales Crusaders on home soil, as both teams will look to keep up their winning streak in what is set to be an enticing encounter.

It is the Cougars who have won their last eight home meetings with North Wales Crusaders but could this all be set to change in 2024 – where both sides have impressed and produced some remarkable performances...

Who will consign who to their first defeat of the season?

Oldham will also look to continue their perfect start to the 2024 campaign when they host Cornwall at Boundary Park on Sunday.

Sean Long’s men are sitting pretty at the top of the League One table and will be looking to occupy top spot for another week running.

There have been four meetings in total between the two sides, with Oldham winning all four by large margins. The hosts also come into this Round 5 fixture on the back of an emphatic 0-62 away win at Hunslet, whereas Cornwall, who sat out in Round 4, still find themselves winless in 2024 and will have a tough test when they travel to face the league’s high flyers.

Boundary Park will also host a moment of history on Sunday when match official Tara Jones, also current England and St Helens Women player, will take charge of this League One fixture. By doing so, Jones will become the first woman who is appointed to referee a senior professional rugby league game in the Northern Hemisphere.

Midlands Hurricanes will also return to action at the Alexander Stadium when they welcome Hunslet, a side who will be hoping to bounce straight back from their hammering at home last weekend.

The Hurricanes' last victory came in Round 2, and they will be aiming for back-to-back home wins come Sunday. It is Hunslet however, who have won their last two away meetings with the Midlands opposition and will be determined to make this three in a row.

A win for the home side would see Midlands overtake Hunslet in the table, to move up to fourth or fifth spot.

Elsewhere, Rochdale and Newcastle will face one another at the Crown Oil Arena, with Thunder still searching for their first win.

Chris Thorman's Thunder found themselves on the wrong end of a 42-0 half-time score-line in Round 4, but the second forty would see them equal North Wales Crusaders, with three tries a piece and a much improved and resilient performance.

If Newcastle can build on this, a full 80 minute performance could see them claim their first win. The Hornets, on the other hand, will be hoping to secure their first home win of the regular season and climb the league ladder.

Betfred League One Round 5 fixtures:

Keighley Cougars v North Wales Crusaders

Oldham RLFC v Cornwall RLFC

Midlands Hurricanes v Hunslet RLFC

Rochdale Hornets v Newcastle Thunder

The full fixture list for Betfred League One and all of the relevant information and kick-off times can be found here.

Photo Credit: North Wales Crusaders