Championship Round 14: Score predictions, kick-off times and TV coverage

Fresh from Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum jubilee, the Championship returns for its second round of action in quick succession over the weekend. As teams continue to chase the royal stature of being anointed a Super League club.

This unpredictable division of rugby league enters its second half and once more could not be more competitive as recent results have made relegation as well as promotion all the more eye-appealing.

But who will pick up the wins today?

Barrow Raiders vs Widnes Vikings

Just how much did Barrow’s close call with Leigh take out of them? The Raiders demonstrated they are still play-off contenders despite their form coming off the rails after such a strong start. Jarrod Sammut is still going strong and with Ryan Johnston by his side, they could cause plenty of problems for an out of sorts Widnes side, still without a coach. The Vikings have slipped considerably down in the table as their form has dramatically declined over the season and there is no reason why it should suddenly change after a long trip to Cumbria.

Prediction: Barrow Raiders 34-16 Widnes Vikings
Kick-off time: Sunday 15:00

Batley Bulldogs vs Workington Town

Over in West Yorkshire the Batley Bulldogs host Workington Town. The Bulldogs have been hit and miss in recent weeks whereas Workington finally got off the mark last time out. The Bulldogs should start as favourites given their much higher position in the table, not to mention their home advantage. Workington may produce bouts of resistance but just like their nearest and dearest earlier this week, it will ultimately prove futile.

Prediction: Batley Bulldogs 40-16 Workington Town
Kick-off time: Sunday 15:00

Dewsbury Rams vs Whitehaven RLFC

Not too far away is another visiting Cumbrian side as Whitehaven travel to Dewsbury. The Rams are now without a coach so life may be more difficult for them here, or will it be the opposite effect? ‘Haven just cannot seem to find the form of last season that took them all the way to the play-offs and now this match could be considered a relegation four pointer. It could go either way but ‘Haven may just be the more settled side and could just edge it.

Prediction: Dewsbury Rams 18-22 Whitehaven RLFC
Kick-off time: Sunday 15:00

Leigh Centurions vs Halifax Panthers

Fresh from their 1895 Cup win and their ‘hangover’ at Barrow last week, Leigh now host high-flying Halifax. The Centurions, full of experience from either hemisphere, are red hot and perhaps are the team to beat at the moment. It would be considerably difficult for ‘Fax to overcome them and though they should prove tricky at times, Leigh will nullify their threat and continue their pursuit of Super League once more. The only way this may not be the case is if Halifax’s two days of extra rest prove vital against a side who have played twice in the last seven days compared to Fax who have just played once.

Prediction: Leigh Centurions 36-18 Halifax Panthers
Kick-off time: Sunday 15:00

Newcastle Thunder vs Sheffield Eagles

Two clubs with an outside chance of a play-off spot meet as Newcastle host Sheffield. Both sides have struggled to get any sort of form going though Sheffield seem to be playing the better rugby. Even though it will be a long trip, they could be slightly favoured though Newcastle should not be fully counted out as it could go either way.

Prediction: Newcastle Thunder 22-28 Sheffield Eagles
Kick-off time: Sunday 15:00

York City Knights vs London Broncos

Two ‘expansion’ clubs go head-to-head as York face London. The Knights have significantly improved this season, currently in the top four, playing an exciting brand of rugby league and with home advantage, they tick all the boxes for another win. The Broncos are still struggling since the pandemic and life will not be any easier for them here especially after a defeat to Workington which leaves them just one point above 14th.

Prediction: York City Knights 42-12 London Broncos
Kick-off time: Sunday 15:00

Featherstone Rovers vs Bradford Bulls

An all-West Yorkshire affair as Featherstone host Bradford to finish off the round. ‘Fev bounced back last week after their disappointing day in London and should continue their form here given their experienced personnel in their squad. The Bulls may have other ideas as they have picked up a couple of wins in recent weeks but should be eventually overwhelmed on the night.

Prediction: Featherstone Rovers 38-20 Bradford Bulls
Kick-off time and TV coverage: Monday 19:45 TV coverage on Premier Sports from 19:15