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Championship Round Three predictions including unbeaten team to lose

Whitehaven

Whilst round one of the Super League season gets underway, it’s the third round of the Championship this weekend. Three teams top the table with a perfect record, whilst three others are yet to get off the mark.

Sadly across the seven games there is no television coverage with Viaplay having a week away from the Championship on their schedule, instead making us wait until round four when Widnes host Halifax.

Sheffield Eagles vs Batley Bulldogs
Kick-off: Feb 17th 19:30
Prediction: Sheffield 26-22 Batley

Despite making the Million Pound Game last season Batley have kicked off 2023 in mixed form with a win and a loss, their loss coming at the hands of promoted Swinton. Sheffield boast the same record but could be argued to be happier, having got under way with an impressive win on the road against Barrow after pushing Halifax close in round one. At home the Eagles should have enough to make it back to back wins.

Toulouse Olympique vs York Knights
Kick-off: Feb 18th 17:00
Prediction: Toulouse 34-18 York

Toulouse sit atop the table courtesy of two wins from two, including their 58-0 drubbing of Newcastle last Saturday. Meanwhile York are coming off the Monday night fixture which, whilst they won in impressive fashion, they won with the help of a lot of Bradford mistakes. A shorter turnaround for the Knights and playing on French soil means Toulouse can go three from three.

Bradford Bulls vs Widnes Vikings
Kick-off Feb 19th 15:00
Prediction: Bradford 29-26

Both of these sides have played York and both with varying success. Widnes secured a 19-12 win in week one, before Bradford went down on account of a flurry of errors that allowed York to pull away. Returning to Odsal this week that home support could just be enough to get them over the line in the game of the weekend.

Featherstone Rovers vs Whitehaven
Kick-off: Feb 19th 15:00
Prediction: Featherstone 54-4 Whitehaven

Rovers have recorded point tallies of 50 and 46 in their two games so far and this game promises the most points yet. Scoring 46 against a very talented Halifax is hugely impressive, whereas Whitehaven still remain without a win and have only scored four tries in their two games.

Halifax Panthers vs London Broncos
Kick-off: Feb 19th 15:00
Prediction: Halifax 36-14 London

Halifax suffered defeat to favourites Featherstone last week but they still showed moments of magic and their centre-wing partnership of Maizen and Walmsley could flourish here. London struggle on the road, picking up just seven points away from home in 2022, and against strong opposition there’s no reason to think that will change this weekend.

Keighley Cougars vs Newcastle Thunder
Kick-off: Feb 19th 15:00
Prediction: Keighley 30-20 Newcastle

This is a match-up that we saw during pre-season, albeit played at Kingston Park that day, and Keighley came out on top without Luke Gale. Granted pre-season games mean nothing once the season starts but with Newcastle coming off a huge defeat to Toulouse, and the growing confidence of Keighley after a solid performance against Widnes, then this can go to the home side.

Swinton Lions vs Barrow Raiders
Kick-off: Feb 19th 15:00
Prediction: Swinton 14-22 Barrow

Despite placing fourth in 2022 and shocking teams following their promotion, it seems that Barrow could be suffering from second-season syndrome as they’ve lost their opening two. Swinton on the other hand have managed to defeat the 2022 Million Pound Game runners-up in Batley, making this game far more competitive on paper now than before a ball was kicked. That should make this a must win for Barrow and they can eek out a result to get their season going.

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