Barrow Raiders are facing competition from rival League One clubs for the soon-to-be vacant Championship spot.
The Raiders confirmed last week that they will be applying to the RFL ahead of the December 2 deadline.
Now, fellow League One club Rochdale Hornets have confirmed that they will be applying too.
A Rochdale statement read: “We believe that Rochdale Hornets is a Championship club in all but name at present – and would significantly add to the competition on and off the field in 2021.”
Newcastle Thunder are also expected to apply, but have not announced it at this stage.
Hunslet have revealed that they will not rival Barrow and Rochdale for promotion.
Hunslet chairman Kenny Sykes said: “I can confirm that Hunslet will not be applying, as we do not meet all the criteria set out by the RFL in terms of average crowd, and a top four finish in 2018 or 2019.”
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