An historic day for Midlands Hurricanes and a chance to promote Rugby League in the region as Super League Salford come to town

The Midlands Hurricanes are set to become the first Midlands Rugby League club at any level to host a Super League club as the club welcomes Salford Red Devils to Alexander Stadium in the Challenge Cup third round on Sunday at 2pm.

A Midlands team had previously played Super League opposition in an away game, with Coventry Bears losing 90-0 in a fifth round match at Widnes Vikings in 2018, but this game is a landmark moment in Midlands Rugby League history.

Tickets for the game have been selling fast and with a large travelling support expected from Salford, the game is set to provide the biggest crowd ever to see the Hurricanes play.

The game represents another milestone for the club, which rebranded from Coventry Bears in 2022 and moved to Alexander Stadium in 2023 after spending the first season playing at Portway, the home of Birmingham and Solihull RFC.

In 2024, the club finished fifth in Betfred League One and progressed to the second stages of the playoffs before losing narrowly to Hunslet, and has already started the new year with two emphatic wins, beating Siddal 46-0 in the Challenge Cup first round and, last weekend, beating Whitehaven 52-24 in the 1895 Cup.

The club is able to draw from a wealth of experience in the game, including newly-installed managing director Eorl Crabtree, who played at the highest level for 16 years for Huddersfield Giants and England and also played in two Challenge Cup finals in 2006 and 2009.

Eorl said the game was massive for the club both on and off the field and said the game was a vital tool for growing the game in the Midlands.

He said: “It’s absolutely massive for the club and the development of the club and this level is something we want to aspire to be, so It’s a great challenge for us, not just on the field, but off it as well and we need to make sure we put in the right preparation for the biggest game in this club’s history.

“The growth of the game in the Midlands is the biggest part of this club and is what we’re trying to build towards, so if we can start bringing people through the gates and actually watch this great sport we’ve got, then the best way we can do it is by bringing the top teams into the Midlands to play against the Midlands.

“It’s funny in a way as my career has changed a bit and now, as the MD for a club, I’m wanting the success on the field to replicate what we’re doing off it. We need to grow the game here, entertain these players and put in a good performance to showcase to the fans.”

Eorl Crabtree was brought into the club by chairman Mike Lomas, who has been one of the main driving forces behind the club since the rebrand in 2022.

Mike said the game was a big one for him personally, having been born in Stretford and having followed Salford when he was younger, but also for the benefits the game would have for the club going forwards.

He said: “Welcoming Salford to the Alex is going to brilliant from my perspective, being brought up in Stretford and Salford being based in Manchester, so they were the first club I ever watched and welcoming them to play the Hurricanes is going to be amazing.

“The impact of the game is huge as well as welcoming Super League to the Midlands area is going to be captivating to a lot of young people and people who want to get into the sport.

“I think the opportunity is definitely there to have the club branded here and get people involved and welcome more is a massive opportunity for us as people have told us they love this stadium so, hopefully, they will get involved, see what we can do here, then stay and want to be fans for life.”

Leading the club into action on Sunday will be head coach Mark Dunning, who has plenty of experience in the competition from his time as Bradford Bulls coach.

Since taking over in 2023 alongside assistant head coach Leigh Beattie, Mark has worked to build a squad which combines a number of experienced players alongside emerging young talent and said the game on Sunday was a great opportunity for everyone involved with the club.

He said: “It’s huge as we’ve never had a Super League club down here before and for anyone who likes the game, it’s going to be great to see some of the stars of that competition here, as well as a great test for us as a club, on and off the field and we’re really looking forward to it.

“I would encourage anyone that’s never been before to get themselves along and enjoy the day as it’s a welcoming environment and we’d love to see people from across the Midlands backing us.

“We want to pack this place out eventually and as I have said, if you’ve never been here before, come along and have a look as we’re doing some great things and we really appreciate the support that we get.”

Midlands Hurricanes vs Salford Red Devils in the Challenge Cup Third Round takes place on Sunday, February 9 at 2pm at Alexander Stadium.

Tickets cost £15 for adults or £17 on the day, £12 for over-65s and under-21s or £14 on the day, £7 for students or £9 on the day and £1 for under-16s or £2 on the day.

For more information about the club and to buy tickets, go to the Midlands Hurricanes website.