BARROW Raiders will open next year's Kingstone Press Championship Summer Bash when they take on Sheffield Eagles in Blackpool.

This year's two-day event takes place over the weekend of May 26 and 27 at Bloomfield Road, and all six matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

The Raiders return to the home of Blackpool FC having lifted the League One Cup there this year with a close-fought win over North Wales Crusaders, although this will be the club's first time there as a Championship side.

They will be facing familiar opponents in Sheffield though, with the two teams having fought out some memorable battles in the past.

The Raiders and the 1998 Challenge Cup winners get the weekend under way at 3pm on Saturday, May 26, followed by the all-Yorkshire clash between Halifax and Featherstone Rovers at 5.15pm.

The first day is rounded off with Leigh Centurions taking on League One champions Toronto Wolfpack at 7.30pm, while day two sees match-ups between Toulouse Olympique and London Broncos (1pm), Rochdale Hornets and Swinton Lions (3.15pm), and Batley Bulldogs v Dewsbury Rams (5.30pm).

“The Summer Bash is a great event which has grown year on year with a record crowd enjoying the weekend in 2017,” said RFL chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer.

“In 2018 we can expect another fantastic weekend of first-class Championship action and all rugby league fans will look forward to six fantastic fixtures – including a new exciting element with Toronto’s first appearance at the event.”

Barrow's full fixture list for the 2018 Championship season is due to be announced on Wednesday, November 1.