Betfred Challenge Cup Fourth Round: Score predictions, kick-off times and TV coverage

The road to Wembley is well and truly underway now that the Betfred Championship clubs are set to enter the oldest and most prestigious competition in the sport.

We’ve already had some amazing stories in this year’s Challenge Cup and Round Four promises to deliver even more.

The Royal Navy are set to make their first appearance at this stage whilst Hunslet Club Parkside have also defied the odds in getting this far. Can they keep going?

North Wales Crusaders vs Hunslet RLFC

An interesting fixture to kick things off sees two former play-off rivals meet as North Wales Crusaders battle against Hunslet RLFC. Only one point between both clubs in League 1 last year, exchanging wins against each other away from home, so it could be does that give Hunslet have an advantage based on the recent precedent of away sides triumphing in this fixture. Hunslet had to battle past Siddal in the previous round whereas North Wales picked up an impressive win against Swinton Lions. A fixture that could go either way but the Crusaders just could have the edge on this occasion.

Prediction: North Wales Crusaders 26-22 Hunslet RLFC
Kick-off time: 14:00 Saturday 26^th February

Batley Bulldogs vs Royal Navy

Next sees the Royal Navy attempting to continue their adventurous conquest in the tournament away against Batley Bulldogs. A bridge too far for the Navy? Probably as Batley have started the Championship season well, winning two from three and looking like dark horses to challenge for promotion to Super League. However, their focus may not be on the tournament but you can imagine they will want another win and boasting pivots such as Tom Gilmore and Ben White, should they feature, they should overcome any resistance the Navy have to throw at them.

Prediction: Batley Bulldogs 46-12 Royal Navy
Kick-off time and TV Coverage: 13:00 Sunday 27^th February live on BBC iplayer

Doncaster RLFC vs Whitehaven RLFC

Potentially a mouth-watering affair as Doncaster host Whitehaven. The ‘Dons’ went within 80 minutes of a return to the Championship last year and could fancy their chances here. ‘Haven should have the advantage, being a division higher, but a long trip down from Cumbria coupled with an already slow start could see them have a major challenge on their hands. The visitors should have the edge but it is looking like another close call that could go either way.

Prediction: Doncaster RLFC 18-22 Whitehaven RLFC
Kick-off time: 14:00 Sunday 27^th February

Hunslet Club Parkside vs Sheffield Eagles

Former National Conference League champions Hunslet Club Parkside are out to cause an upset against Championship side Sheffield Eagles. Parkside could provide plenty of resistance, having home advantage and all, but should be overwhelmed by the superior fitness of the Eagles. Izaac Farrell and Anthony Thackeray should lead by example at half-back in order to get back to winning ways and restore some confidence in their ranks after a slow start.

Prediction: Hunslet Club Parkside 16-42 Sheffield Eagles
Kick-off time: 14:00 Sunday 27^th February

Workington Town vs Dewsbury Rams

An all-Championship fixture as Cumbrian side Workington Town host West Yorkshire club Dewsbury Rams. Only one win between them, both sides will be desperate for some form and confidence heading forward. Workington, still newly promoted to the Championship, seem to be struggling to adapt. Meanwhile, Dewsbury showed plenty of promise last time out but just fell away and a long trip up North could take a lot out of them.

Prediction: Workington Town 26-24 Dewsbury Rams
Kick-off time: 14:00 Sunday 27^th February

Halifax Panthers vs Featherstone Rovers

Two old enemies lock horns as Halifax Panthers take on Featherstone Rovers in one of the games of the round. ‘Fax do have home advantage but have started slow, with only one win to their name so far. ‘Fev should be red hot favourites as they boast a 100% record, with many tipping them for a maiden voyage into Super League next year and should overcome any resistance ‘Fax throw at them.

Prediction: Halifax Panthers 12-28 Featherstone Rovers
Kick-off time: 15:00 Sunday 27^th February

London Broncos vs Bradford Bulls

Two former Super League clubs go head-to-head in the shape of London Broncos and the Bradford Bulls. The Broncos are still struggling with their transition, having many off-field issues and could easily come unstuck here. The Bulls do however have only one win to their name but should have enough to overcome the Londoners, though they may have it difficult from time-to-time especially on the back of a long trip down South.

Prediction: London Broncos 16-30 Bradford Bulls
Kick-off time: 15:00 Sunday 27^th February

Rochdale Hornets vs Barrow Raiders

Former Championship side Rochdale Hornets come up against newly promoted Barrow Raiders. The Hornets could fancy their chances, being at home and all, but Barrow have started their 2022 strongly, with three wins from three. The Super League experience in the Raiders’ side should be enough to help them overcome the Hornets, though they may find it difficult at times considering the magic of the cup.

Prediction: Rochdale Hornets 18-32 Barrow Raiders
Kick-off time: 15:00 Sunday 27^th February

York City Knights Vs Newcastle Thunder

Two ‘expansion’ clubs come head-to-head as York City Knights host Newcastle Thunder. Both teams possess Super League experience and have made very similar starts to the season, with two wins from four games apiece. The Knights could have the edge, purely for being at home, but it should be yet another close contest that could go either way.

Prediction: York City Knights 28-24 Newcastle Thunder
Kick-off time and TV coverage: 15:00 Sunday 27^th February streamed live by Sportsman

Leigh Centurions vs Widnes Vikings

In a fixture that just five years ago would have been an all-Super League affair, Leigh Centurions take on Widnes Vikings. Leigh are the full-time outfit, with former top level experience in their side from either side of the world and should start as favourites. Widnes though will be full of confidence, being the current Championship league leaders with a 100% record and should challenge the Centurions on every front. It’s set to be an exciting fixture and tell us a lot about both sides moving forward in the Championship.

Prediction: Leigh Centurions 26-20 Widnes Vikings
Kick-off time and TV coverage: 19:45 Monday 28^th February shown live on Premier Sports from 19:15