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Betfred Championship Round 5: Score predictions, kick-off times and TV coverage

Following a pause for Betfred Challenge Cup action last week, all 14 Betfred Championship clubs return to the all-important journey towards promotion to the Super League.

This weekend there are some notable clashes taking centre stage once again as the Championship picture becomes that bit clearer.

But who will be the winners and losers of Round Five?

Leigh Centurions vs Newcastle Thunder

Leigh Centurions have been excellent recently, with rampant victories in front of the Premier Sports cameras, and should be favoured to claim yet another home win against Newcastle. They have plenty of experience to choose from, with Nene McDonald back in contention and along with their exciting ‘pivot’ combination of Caleb Aekins, Ben Reynolds and Joe Mellor, the Centurions could cause plenty of problems for the Thunder. Newcastle may provide some resistance in bouts but the inevitable will befall them on what could be a long afternoon for the visitors.

Prediction: Leigh Centurions 46-16 Newcastle Thunder
Kick-off Time: Sunday 6th March 13:45

Workington Town vs Sheffield Eagles

Can Workington Town back up their first win of 2022 last week? With home advantage and no doubt full of confidence, they could see get the edge over Sheffield. The Eagles had it rather difficult at times against amateur club Hunslet Club Parkside last week in the cup, though possessing their first-choice half-backs in Izaac Farrell and Anthony Thackeray is a comfort going into today’s game. A match that could go either way but Workington could just shade it.

Prediction: Workington Town 28-22 Sheffield Eagles
Kick-off Time: Sunday 6th March 14:00

Bradford Bulls vs Batley Bulldogs

A mouth-watering all West Yorkshire affair as Bradford Bulls entertain Batley Bulldogs. The Bulls will be out for revenge following their play-off defeat at the hands of the Bulldogs last year and have a strong squad available. With Ben Evans and Rhys Evans plus the likes of Elliot Kear, Kieran Gill and even Chester Butler out to impress, the Bulls could well be difficult to manage. However, Batley have started this season in superb form, playing free flowing rugby whereas the Bulls’ form has somewhat stuttered from time-to-time so a Bulldogs victory would certainly not be a surprise.

Prediction: Bradford Bulls 24-28 Batley Bulldogs
Kick-off Time: Sunday 6th March 15:00

Featherstone Rovers vs Halifax Panthers

We are not finished with West Yorkshire just yet. Two bitter rivals in Featherstone Rovers and Halifax Panthers go head-to-head today as well. Fev are looking like the team to beat, with five impressive victories in league and cup footy already this season and with players such as Craig Hall, Tom Holmes and Dane Chisholm available, they should cause plenty of problems. Fax meanwhile do have James Woodburn-Hall back in the side and along with half-backs Cory Aston and Joe Keyes, could well pose a threat throughout but against this formidable Featherstone side, it will be a monumental task.

Prediction: Featherstone Rovers 36-16 Halifax Panthers
Kick-off Time: Sunday 6th March 15:00

London Broncos vs York City Knights

Down south London Broncos face York City Knights. The Broncos have started the seasom slowly, as expected following their off-field issues. However, they may cause York problems, with Amir Bourouh, Rhys Curran and Alex Walker all available. The Knights meanwhile, have Matty Marsh, Jamie Ellis and Liam Harris available for selection plus Jordan Thompson, Ronan Dixon and Danny Kirmond in the pack so have plenty of experience to choose from.

Prediction: London Broncos 16-30 York City Knights
Kick-off Time: Sunday 6th March 15:00

Widnes Vikings vs Barrow Raiders

Premier Sports regulars Widnes Vikings host Cumbrian club Barrow Raiders. Seven wins and no defeats between both sides in the league in 2022 so this is no doubt an exciting contest is in the works. The Vikings will want to bounce back after their Cup exit and do have experience in their squad in Steve Tyrer, Lloyd Roby, Shane Grady and Matty Smith. Conversely, the Raiders have Jarrod Sammut, Hakim Miloudi but a long trip down could take some of their energy out of them.

Prediction: Widnes Vikings 32-22 Barrow Raiders
Kick-off Time and TV channel: Monday 7th March 19:45 coverage starts on Premier Sports from 19:15.

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