Championship club-by-club guide: how is your team predicted to perform in 2021?

The wait is almost over! It is nearly time for the Betfred Championship to come out of hiding and take to the field once more. 

Almost a year ago, the Championship was put on hold before it was decided to null and void the season as it was unsustainable to continue along with Super League after the first national lockdown.

But from the 2nd of April, the competition will resume, albeit under a shortened format, for that all-important place for Super League, pending on a final decision to proceed with promotion and relegation.

Batley Bulldogs

Always considered a ‘bogey’ team, the Batley Bulldogs as can certainly surprise any club on a game day. They still possess experience throughout the squad as well as skilful pivots in Ben White and Danny Yates plus the additions of Jack Logan and Kieran Buchanan from Hull FC will certainly help. Under head coach and former Batley player Craig Lingard, the best of the Bulldogs could still come; however, remaining a part-time club against such stiff competition remains a decisive factor.

Prediction: 9th

Bradford Bulls

Their hopes of a swift return to Super League may have been denied but surely that will not stop “super coach” John Kear and his Bradford side?! Kear possesses a selection of talented youngsters in his side and if anyone can get the best out of them, it is Kear. Captained by Danny Brough, who is partnered by Jordan Lilley at halfback, the Bulls will prove to be difficult opponents for all in 2021.

Prediction: 5th 

Dewsbury Rams

Just like their arch-rivals, Dewsbury Rams are another club not to be underestimated. Lee Greenwood has vastly experienced players in Paul Sykes and Liam Finn at halfback plus Jason Walton, Michael Knowles and Chris Annakin in the back row. However, their squad depth is a factor and could cost them should they get injuries or have to isolate due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

Prediction: 10th 

Featherstone Rovers

A team with unfinished business are the Featherstone Rovers. It’s a fitting motto considering they missed out in the 2019 Million Pound Game, which was then followed by their rejection by the RFL when applying for the final Super League spot. However, now they have a fantastic chance to earn it outright with what looks a formidable team. Having Super League experience in almost every position as well as impressive signings in the readmission of Tom Holmes as well as Samoan duo Junior Moors and Fa’amanu Brown, Featherstone will be one of the teams to beat and just might finally realise their top flight dream. 

Prediction: 2nd 

Halifax Panthers

New brand but will Halifax return stronger? ‘Fax have some talented players, such as Liam Harris and Connor Robinson at halfback plus Gadwin Springer and Greg Worthington being brought in from Super League. However, their squad depth is an issue as they have a lot of untested youngsters backing up their forward pack that may become overwhelmed in what will be a trying season under the current conditions. But never say never as ‘Fax have defied the odds more than once before.

Prediction: 7th 

London Broncos

Speaking of unfinished business, after all these years, will the sport ever get going in London? The Broncos are back but may be in for a much tougher fight this time around. Regaining Jarrod Sammut is a bonus but losing several members of their forward pack has arguably provoked a period of transition for the Londoners which could easily hinder any chance of promotion. Danny Ward has proved an excellent coach and thus, they will be a dominant side, but given their changes, it may take some time.

Prediction: 4th 

Newcastle Thunder

Can the game also expand up in the North East? Newcastle Thunder were fortunate enough to be awarded place in the Championship following Leigh’s promotion to Super League, but the 22-year-old club, now under Coach Eamon O’Carroll, will be met with a much tougher challenge. Captained by veteran Bob Beswick as well as having powerful forwards in Mikey Wood and Josh Woods plus exciting pivots in Jake Shorrocks and Reece Dean, Newcastle will be a tricky team. However, being newly promoted is never easy so they may end up at the wrong end of the table, but they have signalled their intent to hopefully join the top level one day so do not fully count them out. 

Prediction: 12th 

Oldham RLFC

Having somewhat avoided an immediate return back to League 1 last year, no doubt that will be Matt Diskin’s first approach this season. However, he has an almighty job on his hands. Oldham are one of the more provincial clubs and will struggle, especially given their lack of game time during the lay-off. That being said, they do have some fire in their squad, though it will be a long season for them and could very well spell a return back a division.

Prediction: 13th 

Sheffield Eagles

Sheffield have retained much of their 2020 squad and though they had a tricky start last season, they did have a string of unlucky results and so sticking together may see them come back stronger. Coached by former Wembley hero Mark Aston, assisted by Keith Senior and captained by Matt James and having an experienced and sizeable forward pack, Sheffield will be a tough side to beat in 2021. However, playing in unfamiliar surroundings and the uncertainty of their ‘home’ may hinder them and their plans so it may be simply just another year of simply ‘making up the numbers’.

Prediction: 8th 

Swinton Lions

They certainly know how to survive and adapt and there is no reason why Swinton are unable to do so once again. Having survived relegation since their admission in 2016, as well as overcoming their financial difficulties off-field, Swinton are back for more in 2021. Under Stuart Littler, they possess experienced players in Martyn Ridyard, Mike Butt, Jack Hansen and captain Will Hope. Though they look rather inexperienced in depth, no doubt they will all be hungry for action and could very well cause an upset or two heading forward.

Prediction: 11th 

Toulouse Olympique

Should all go according to plan, pending on this unpredictable pandemic, Toulouse Olympique should be the team to beat. They have recruited superbly, having added Mitch Garbutt, Dominique Peyroux, Joseph Paulo, Eloi Pelissier and Remi Casty which demonstrates they mean business. Adding to already impressive attackers in Jonathan Ford, William Barthau and Mark Kheirallah, the French side will be a force to be reckoned with.

Prediction: 1st 

Whitehaven RLFC

From top to bottom, Whitehaven could be everyone’s favourites for that wooden spoon. New players have arrived but such a tough transition coupled with their own financial worries, means ‘Haven will have it tough. They may prove us wrong and might even truly kick rugby league off in Cumbria, but that looks highly doubtful for the foreseeable future unfortunately.

Prediction: 14th 

Widnes Vikings

After an incredibly difficult three years, Widnes Vikings will be ready to go again in 2021. Under Simon Finnigan, the Vikings have recruited well and adding to their already talented squad, will pose a serious threat to the play-offs. Though their transitional period may see them stutter, they will return as a competitive side in what are exciting times ahead for the club.

Prediction: 6th 

York City Knights

Their 20th season in professional rugby league could very well be a historic one for the York City Knights. York have been competitive in recent seasons, improving year on year. And, having recruited superbly in all areas, James Ford has a title contending squad on his hands and could very well make the club’s “heartland expansion” dream a reality.

Prediction: 3rd