We are now approaching the business end of the season and there still plenty to play for in the Betfred Championship.
This week may be overshadowed by the Magic Weekend but still some mouth-watering clashes, specifically West Yorkshire rivalries that would be worthy of the Sky cameras.
Newcastle Thunder Vs York City Knights
Only one place separates these two expansion clubs, though both Newcastle and York only have pride to play for.
Thunder have home advantage and have been in good form, especially in attack and could well catch an inconsistent York side cold.
The Knights are more than capable of securing the points but will have their work cut out in what should be a tough contest.
Prediction: Newcastle Thunder 30-22 York City Knights
Batley Bulldogs Vs Whitehaven RLFC
After a week off, Batley will hope to continue their form against surprise package Whitehaven.
The Bulldogs have produced some impressive rugby league all season, boasting the likes of Tom Gilmore and Alistair Leak available to them and with the prospect of home play-off rugby, could well raise their game once more.
Haven are off the back of scoring 64 points last week and should provide a stern challenge but the trip down from Cumbria may take it out of them, not to mention facing stiff opposition.
Prediction: Batley Bulldogs 34-28 Whitehaven RLFC
Bradford Bulls Vs Toulouse Olympique
Bradford Bulls are still in the race for promotion but face their toughest test yet in Toulouse.
John Kear has plenty of talent available to him in the likes of Ben and Rhys Evans plus Brandon Pickersgill.
However, the French side, led by Jonathan Ford and Mark Kheirallah, will be difficult to handle in defence and being full-time and all, should have enough to see them remain at 100-per-cent.
Prediction: Bradford Bulls 12-26 Toulouse Olympique
Featherstone Rovers Vs Halifax Panthers
Prediction: Featherstone Rovers 28-16 Halifax Panthers
Swinton Lions Vs London Broncos
London Broncos continue their chase for the play-offs at the relegated Swinton Lions.
The Broncos’ form though has not been all that consistent and could have a battle on their hands, especially against a Swinton side who literally have nothing to lose.
However, London’s desperation to guarantee play-off rugby, on top of being a full-time outfit, should be enough to help them to another win but it will be difficult.
Prediction: Swinton Lions 18-30 London Broncos
Widnes Vikings Vs Oldham RLFC
Fresh from their annihilation sustained in Cumbria, Widnes Vikings will hope for a bounce back against Oldham RLFC.
The Vikings may be struggling for bodies but being back in their home comforts against a club second to bottom may be enough to see them back to winning ways.
Oldham will go all out for a win no doubt but their relegation could be all but confirmed for this one.
Prediction: Widnes Vikings 34-16 Oldham RLFC
Sheffield Eagles Vs Dewsbury Rams
Nothing but pride to play for, Sheffield Eagles host Dewsbury Rams for the ‘bragging rights’.
The Eagles should have the majority of their senior players available for selection but as should Dewsbury and with both clubs sustaining heavy defeats recently, could well be low on confidence.
It should be a close battle but the Eagles, being at ‘home’ could well edge this match.
Prediction: Sheffield Eagles 28-22 Dewsbury Rams
