Championship Round Four: Predictions, TV coverage and kick-off times

It’s week four of the Betfred Championship and last week saw Featherstone and Toulouse extend their favouritism at the top of the table, whilst last year’s play-off surprise Barrow fell to a third straight defeat.

Who will be the winners and losers this week among one of rugby’s most competitive competitions?

Bradford Bulls vs Toulouse Olympique
Kick-off: Feb 25th 13:00
Prediction: Bradford 10-22

Bradford managed a great late comeback win over Widnes last weekend but with Toulouse visiting Odsal they could be in for a difficult Saturday. The French side have conceded just four points all season and their elite defence should see them through.

Batley Bulldogs vs Keighley Cougars
Kick-off: Feb 26th 15:00
Prediction: Batley 22-26 Keighley

Batley are on a two game slide having won in week one but it was the manner of defeat last Friday that will concern them. Losing 36-0 to Sheffield was a huge disappointment, whereas Keighley got their first win on the board against Newcastle and they can make it a second this weekend.

Featherstone Rovers vs Newcastle Thunder
Kick-off: Feb 26th 15:00
Prediction: Featherstone 64-10 Newcastle

Rovers ran out huge winners last week against Whitehaven as they continue to rubber-stamp their position as favourites and they can reaffirm that this week. Newcastle fell 58-0 to Toulouse in round two and Featherstone will be aiming to upstage and outdo the French side.

London Broncos vs Sheffield Eagles
Kick-off: Feb 26th 15:00
Prediction: London 20-28 Sheffield

This fixture last year saw Sheffield lead 28-0 at half time before eventually losing 36-28 however this season the Eagles should have enough to win. Playing on Friday last week gives them valuable rest advantage and they’ve got enough to see off the Broncos.

Whitehaven vs Swinton Lions
Kick-off: Feb 26th 15:00
Prediction: Whitehaven 22-24 Swinton

This game could already be a real relegation four-pointer and it’s one that has even larger importance for Whitehaven following three losses to start the season. As for Swinton they’ve impressed following their promotion and won twice including over two play-off sides from 2022, and another win could be on the cards.

York Knights vs Barrow Raiders
Kick-off: Feb 26th 15:00
TV: OuRLeague App
Prediction: York 28-18 Barrow

Barrow have lost three on the spin but a trip to York who have looked impressive under new coach Andrew Henderson is a tough matchup in week four. York can bounce back following defeat to Toulouse with another win at the LNER.

Widnes Vikings vs Halifax Panthers
Kick-off: Feb 27th 19:45
TV: Viaplay TV
Prediction: Widnes 28-28 Halifax

The Vikings and the Panthers both sit with a record of two wins and a loss, Widnes’ loss coming in late heart-breaking fashion last week 14-12. John Kear’s side will want to bounce back but in Halifax they face a very talented side whose only defeat came to Featherstone on the road. The game of the week in the Monday night TV slot and it could be one where both sides split the spoils.