Wakefield Trinity made massive Championship favourites by bookmakers

Wakefield Trinity saw their 25-year spell in Super League end when they suffered relegation just months ago, however they’ve rebuilt and are now seen as huge favourites to storm the Championship.

That’s according to bookmakers Betfred, who serve as the main sponsor for Super League and the Championship, with the established bookies making Wakefield Trinity incredibly short odds to lift the title at the end of the regular season.

Trinity have been priced at just 2/5 by Betfred, meaning fans would have to place five pounds for the chance to make two pounds profit, indicating just how much the bookmakers believe in the Trin.

The new era at Belle Vue has been marked with the takeover by local businessman Matt Ellis who has overseen wholesale changes in the squad and staff to help the club in their efforts to return to Super League.

Ellis’ initial statement upon taking the club over saw him put appointing Daryl Powell at the top of his priority list, something he managed to do with the ex-Warrington Wolves boss being tied down on a four year deal.

Since then Powell has built up his own backroom staff that includes the like of former Castleford Tigers captain Michael Shenton, and ex-Trinity legend Danny Kirmond.

The club have also retained plenty of their talent from Super League with the likes of Max Jowitt, Mason Lino, Liam Hood and others all signing new deals to remain with the club.

Tries shouldn’t be hard to come by with the acquisition of wingers Jermaine McGillvary and Lachlan Walmsley, whilst the club have also dipped into the Australian market too in signing former Cronulla Sharks youngster Toby Boothroyd.

It’s understandable why Trinity have been deemed such heavy favourites to take the Championship crown, but who are the other teams that the bookies think could challenge them?

Toulouse Olympique made the Million Pound Game in 2023 and they’re made second favourites at 7/1, whilst last season’s League Leaders Shield winners Featherstone Rovers are priced at 8/1.

Rovers have seen massive changes with 19 of their first team having left the club following the 2023 season, but they’ve signed Challenge Cup winner Ben Reynolds as part of the rebuild.

Bradford Bulls are a side on the up and they’re priced at 12/1, whilst fellow Yorkshire side and 1895 Cup winners Halifax Panthers are made 18/1 outsiders.

New boys Doncaster are priced at 50/1 whilst Dewsbury Rams are made 66/1 shots, despite having earned automatic promotion by winning League One in 2023.

Three teams sit as 100/1 rank outsiders with Cumbrian outfits Barrow Raiders and Whitehaven being two of them, and Swinton Lions the other.

A full list of odds can be seen below.

To win the 2024 Championship (Betfred)

Wakefield Trinity – 2/5
Toulouse Olympique – 7/1
Featherstone Rovers – 8/1
Bradford Bulls – 12/1
Halifax Panthers – 18/1
Widnes Vikings – 25/1
Sheffield Eagles – 28/1
York Knights – 28/1
Batley Bulldogs – 40/1
Doncaster – 50/1
Dewsbury Rams – 66/1
Barrow Raiders – 100/1
Swinton Lions – 100/1
Whitehaven – 100/1