Betfred Championship Round 10 Predictions

The Championship returns to action, albeit another shortened round with Toulouse Olympique’s home meeting with the Bradford Bulls postponed.

Nevertheless, the action continues with Featherstone Rovers hoping to back up last weeks’ thrashing of Bradford plus Halifax Panthers have emerged as ‘dark horses’ for the play-offs.

Here are my predictions for Sunday’s games…

 

Dewsbury Rams vs Featherstone Rovers

If it was not bad enough to sustain a heavy defeat from one team with a 100% record then this week is just as bad for Dewsbury Rams as they host Featherstone Rovers.

Rovers retain the majority of their squad that thumped the Bradford Bulls 44-0 last week and should be dominant here.

Dewsbury started the season well but have faltered in recent weeks and there is no reason why that should stop all of a sudden.

Prediction: Dewsbury Rams 12-36 Featherstone Rovers

 

London Broncos vs Whitehaven RLFC

London have been edgy all season but home advantage against struggling Whitehaven should see them as favourites for this one.

The Broncos are also a full-time team, having good attackers such as Jarrod Sammut and Cory Aston to lead by example.

‘Haven gave Batley a scare last week and that may have given them some confidence but not enough here to overcome a side like the Broncos.

Prediction: London Broncos 38-12 Whitehaven RLFC

 

Newcastle Thunder vs Oldham RLFC

Another relegation four-pointer for Newcastle Thunder and being at home could put them as slight favourites.

They still possess a host of players who have Super League experience, and they could thrive on that against Oldham.

Not to underestimate Oldham, they have a good coach in Matt Diskin, as well as some threatening players too but travelling away could really take its toll on them here.

Prediction: Newcastle Thunder 32-18 Oldham RLFC

 

Swinton Lions vs Halifax Panthers

Is that first league win for Swinton Lions finally coming? Possibly not as they welcome an in-form Halifax Panthers outfit.

The Panthers demolished York last week and have retained the majority of their squad from that clash so they could easily continue their momentum.

Stuart Littler still has some exciting players to choose from, and the Lions can score plenty of points, but against ‘Fax it appears to be too much of an ask.

Prediction: Swinton Lions 18-34 Halifax Panthers

 

Widnes Vikings vs Sheffield Eagles

Back-to-back frustrating defeats for Widnes Vikings will surely be amended here?!

After their drubbing by Toulouse, the Vikings are now playing a better brand of rugby and could well return to winning ways.

Sheffield could cause an upset but have been a rather inconsistent side this season and travelling away from home too could take it out of them as well.

Prediction: Widnes Vikings 34-22 Sheffield Eagles

 

York City Knights vs Batley Bulldogs

This could well be the closest game of the round. The Knights have somewhat underachieved this season and they face another tough test from a resilient Batley side.

Adding Jamie Ellis and Tyla Hepi to the side is a good move though and being back at home could lift York against the Bulldogs.

Batley have plenty of talent and should provide a fierce test but could just be edged out by York’s top-level experience, but it could go either way.

Prediction: York City Knights 22-20 Batley Bulldogs