Betfred Championship: Batley Bulldogs are facing an emotional last home game of the season

Batley Bulldogs coach, Matt Diskin. PIC: Jonathan Gawthorpe/JPIMedia

It is Batley’s first game since the death of Archie Bruce, who had made his professional debut against Toulouse a fortnight ago.

Tributes will be paid to the popular 20-year-old hooker before kick off – as they were before last week’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley.

It has been a difficult campaign on and off the field for the club.

Tributes will be paid to the late Archie Bruce at Batley Bulldogs' home game this weekend. PIC, COURTESY: Batley Bulldogs Rugby League Club/PA Wire

But Batley can go into their final two matches with their Championship status secure for 2020 and Matt Diskin’s side will now look to end on a high.

It is an important game for Featherstone, who arrive at Fox’s Biscuits Stadium knowing victory will secure them a top-five finish. Batley are 10th in the table going into their final two games and could finish as high as eighth if results go their way.

Featherstone recorded a 42-14 win over the Bulldogs when the sides met at LD Nutrition Stadium back in Round Two in February.

But Batley will be looking to reverse that as they seek a ninth win.

With Rochdale Hornets already relegated, second-bottom Barrow Raiders will join them in League One next season if they lose to runaway Championship leaders Toronto on Saturday.