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

It’s week two of the Betfred Championship but who will be the winners and losers as one of the most competitive rugby competitions kicks into its second week.

Toulouse Olympique vs Newcastle Thunder
Kick-off: Feb 11th 18:00
Prediction: Toulouse 30-6 Newcastle

Toulouse showed what they can do last week when they returned to the Championship by beating the side who finished fourth in 2022 convincingly the Barrow Raiders. Now at home, they should have what it takes to make it two wins from two.

Barrow Raiders vs Sheffield Eagles
Kick-off: Feb 12th 15:00
Prediction: Barrow 18-12 Sheffield

Two teams beaten last week but who will have designs on the top six collide in what is already an important game. The Raiders may just have the edge at home.

Batley Bulldogs vs Swinton Lions
Kick-off: Feb 12th 15:00
Prediction: Batley 30-12 Swinton

Last year’s beaten Grand Finalists should have enough to comfortably beat the newly promoted Swinton Lions this weekend.

Whitehaven vs London Broncos
Kick-off: Feb 12th 15:00
Prediction: Whitehaven 14-12 London

An interesting game between two teams who finished close to the bottom of the league last year. London look good for 2023 but the trip may take its toll.

Widnes Vikings vs Keighley Cougars
Kick-off: Feb 12th 15:00
Prediction: Widnes 24-10 Keighley

After a humbling opening round defeat to Featherstone after plenty of hype before hand, Keighley will want to bounce back but away to a strong looking Widnes side they may struggle.

Featherstone Rovers vs Halifax Panthers
Kick-off: Feb 12th 16:00
Prediction: Featherstone 30-16 Halifax

In perhaps the game of the round the sides who finished second and third in 2021 and 2022 collide as they both dream of Super League. It should be competitive for the most part but Featherstone should have the edge.

York RLFC vs Bradford Bulls
Kick-off: Feb 13th 19:45
TV: Viaplay TV 19:15
Prediction: York 12-24 Bradford

Bradford won last week despite an injury to Jack Walker. They have a strong squad and should have what it takes to tough it out against York on Monday night.