It’s a busy Championship round-up this week with rugby league records falling at one end of the table and coaching departures coming at the opposite end.
Whilst London Broncos racked up their highest-ever points total on Saturday night, Whitehaven saw their head coach Anthony Murray leave the club on Sunday, despite his side winning 20-0.
It’s a very strange situation but weirdly enough, it’s the second time that it has happened to Whitehaven with former head coach Jonty Gorley confirming his resignation live on BBC Radio Cumbria just minutes after a win in 2024.
On that ocassion, Gorley cited ‘untenable issues’ at the club but this time around, Murray noted a number of changing circumstances including his own personal work and the ‘increased training demands’ on account of an expanded second tier competition.
Confirmation of Murray’s exit came late Sunday evening with statements from both Murray and Whitehaven Rugby League Football Club being released to social media.
That came at 9:33 pm, just under five hours after Haven beat Rochdale Hornets 20-0 to secure their first win of the league season.
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Championship round-up
Elsewhere in the Championship, London Broncos and North Wales Crusaders broke a rugby league record as they combined for the most points scored in a first or second-tier rugby league game.
London scored 106 of the 124 points in their 18-try win but a Greg Eden hat-trick in defeat ensured that the previous record of 106 points in a game was beaten.
Another large scoreline came at Doncaster as they beat Salford 78-8 to move to fourth in the table whilst Widnes defeated Goole 54-24 in a battle of the Vikings to move to second, only behind table-topping London on points difference.
Sheffield Eagles remain the only unbeaten side alongside London though Craig Lingard’s club have played just three times with Sunday’s 24-16 win over Hunslet their most recent.
At the other end of the table, Workington picked up their first point of the season as they drew 16-16 with Keigley whilst Swinton slipped to a fifth straight loss with Batley claiming their first win in that game.
Round Five Championship results
London Broncos 106-18 North Wales Crusaders
Midlands Hurricanes 20-40 Oldham
Batley Bulldogs 54-6 Swinton Lions
Doncaster RLFC 78-8 Salford RLFC
Hunslet RLFC 16-24 Sheffield Eagles
Keighley Cougars 16-16 Workington
Whitehaven RLFC 20-0 Rochdale
Widnes Vikings 54-24 Goole Vikings
It is with massive regret I am
resigning from my position as Head Coach at Whitehaven.I would like to place on record my sincere gratitude for the opportunity and support I have received since my appointment. It has been a privilege to work with the players, staff, and… pic.twitter.com/71pYAgx2rh
— Whitehaven Rugby League (@OfficialHavenRl) March 1, 2026
