2021 Betfred Championship Round 16 Predictions

The Championship is now down to one club with a 100% win rate so the question remains: can anyone stop Toulouse Olympique?

Meanwhile, several of the West Yorkshire clubs are in terrific form and could mount a serious play-off push.

All of this means we’re set for another exciting end to the season and this weekend should play a huge part in it.

Batley Bulldogs vs Featherstone Rovers

An all-West Yorkshire affair first up as Batley Bulldogs host Featherstone Rovers.  The Bulldogs are full of experience possessing great ‘pivots’ in Ben White, Tom Gilmore, Alistair Leak and Ben Kaye. However, ‘Fev’, will be angry that they suffered only their second defeat of 2021 last week and will be hungry for a return to winning ways. They have a full back line to choose from whilst their experienced pack could be too much for the Bulldogs.

Prediction: Batley Bulldogs 18-32 Featherstone Rovers

Bradford Bulls P-P Sheffield Eagles

Halifax Panthers vs Newcastle Thunder

Halifax have won eight games in a row and subsequently come into this game as favourites. They have some impressive players to choose from such as James Woodburn-Hall, Liam Harris and Scott Grix plus Super League experience in their forward pack. Newcastle should not be written off entirely. They have Jake Shorrocks, Josh Woods plus Ukuma Ta’ai available for selection but ‘Fax, home advantage and all, should have enough to continue their form.

Prediction: Halifax Panthers 34-22 Newcastle Thunder

London Broncos vs Toulouse Olympique

The two full-time teams will actually play against each other this time. London could be difficult opposition here, especially in familiar surroundings in Ealing. Jarrod Sammut and Cory Aston will lead the way at half-back, not to mention their experienced forwards Rhys Curran and Josh Walters. However, Toulouse, with Mark Kheirallah, Tony Gigot and Jonathan Ford to choose from, should have enough to continue their unbeaten run and keep their quest for Super League well and truly alive.

Prediction: London Broncos 22-36 Toulouse Olympique

Swinton Lions vs Oldham RLFC

In a mouth-watering rivalry, Swinton Lions host Oldham at Heywood Road. The Lions finally got a win last week and with squad players such as Jack Hansen, Rhodri Lloyd and Will Hope available they could cause Oldham plenty of problems. Oldham have got the majority of their first team players available themselves however with Lewis Charnock and Dave Hewitt at half-back. It should be an interesting tussle between the two teams.

Prediction: Swinton Lions 32-24 Oldham RLFC

Whitehaven RLFC vs Dewsbury Rams

Slightly higher up the table, Whitehaven will host Dewsbury Rams up in Cumbria. Normally a holiday spot, it will feel anything but that for the visitors as it could well be a tough afternoon for them. Whitehaven have the likes of Jessie Joe Parker, Callum Phillips, Gregg McNally and Louis Jouffret available and have produced some exciting rugby league this season. The Rams, full of experience themselves, could still provide a challenge and will be seething after their surprise defeat last week. They’ll be desperate to re-write that wrong but Whitehaven at home may have too much for them.

Prediction: Whitehaven RLFC 30-16 Dewsbury Rams

York City Knights vs Widnes Vikings

Only a point between them, York and Widnes do battle for a late shot at the play-offs. The Knights have home advantage plus the likes of Matty Marsh, Brendan O’Hagan and Will Jubb to lead the way. However, Widnes have played some impressive rugby lately, despite their defeat last time out. Danny Craven, Matty Smith and Jack Owens give them a mouth-watering attack which should make for an entertaining clash.

Prediction: York City Knights 28-32 Widnes Vikings