EXCITEMENT for the return of rugby league is ramping up as last week saw the announcement of League One and Championship fixtures for the 2021 season.

Workington Town will face Hunslet in an away game for their first League One clash on May 9.

In a welcome return to Derwent Park, Town entertain London Skolars in the second round on May 16.

Workington are then back on the road, facing North Wales Crusaders on their home turf, finishing the first month of action at home against Doncaster RLFC on May 30.

Games in the first month of the season are likely to be played behind closed doors and streamed live on the OuRLeague app, for this reason Town bosses have moved the usual kick-off time from 3pm to 2pm. The club do not want to compete with the kick-off of Premier League football matches.

Keighley Cougars make the trip to Workington in round five, before facing the Coventry Bears in round six at Butts Park Arena.

Rochdale Hornets visit Derwent Park on June 20 before a Cumbrian derby on June 27 as Town face-off with Barrow Raiders at Craven Park.

Town will benefit from two consecutive home games in July when they face West Wales Raiders on July 4 and Coventry Bears the following week.

After two games at Derwent Park, Town are back on the road again clashing with Rochdale Hornets at the Crown Oil Arena.

The clashes between Rochdale and Workington will no doubt be a treat for the fans watching at home.

Town head coach Thorman has said the best is yet to come from Perry Singleton and Jamie Doran.

Singleton recently returned to the squad from a stint at Barrow Raiders, who he will face with his new side this season.

And Thorman has said it is “a big year” for talented half-back Doran who has found a renewed focus going into the 2021 season. The Hornets will be looking to make their mark on the league with a squad that hooker Declan Sheridan has called “exciting.”

They played just one league game last season due to the pandemic, taking a clear victory against Keighley.

In their second clash of the season, Town welcome Barrow Raiders to Workington on August 1 before the return game against Keighley and a trip to West Wales in the following weeks. Town then face North Wales at home and Doncaster away before the season comes full circle with Town v London Skolars and another clash with Hunslet in the final round.