11 May 2023

Betfred Championship Preview | Round 11

Round 11 of the 2023 Betfred Championship gets underway this weekend, with seven thrilling ties set to take place across the division.

First up, on Saturday afternoon London Broncos host Barrow Raiders in a huge clash at the lower end of the table. Just one point separates the sides in the standings, and a win for either side could prove huge in the coming weeks.

One player who could be expected to have an influence on the game is London’s Alex Walker. The 27-year-old fullback has scored tries in the Broncos’ last four meetings with Barrow.

The other fixture taking place on Saturday sees Batley Bulldogs face off against second-placed Toulouse Olympique.

Olympique will be desperate to return to winning ways following their shock defeat at Swinton Lions last time out, whilst Batley head into the game following a hard-fought victory against Widnes Vikings on Monday evening.

Toulouse will be confident of securing maximum points and have won their last six meetings against the Bulldogs.

On Sunday, Bradford Bulls begin life without Mark Dunning - following his exit last weekend - with a crucial clash against Swinton at Odsal.

The Bulls suffered a disappointing 46-12 defeat at Barrow on Sunday and will be led by interim coach Lee Greenwood against the Lions.

Sunday could be a memorable occasion for George Flanagan Senior who is just one game away from reaching 250 career appearances.

Elsewhere, Halifax Panthers welcome Whitehaven to the Shay. Fax have won their eight home fixtures against Haven, who have not won at the Shay since their 50-42 triumph in August 2009.

One player who will fancy his chances of helping the visitors secure a crucial victory is Ryan King, who has scored in the last four meetings between the sides.

One of the biggest ties of the weekend takes place in West Yorkshire when seventh-placed Keighley Cougars lock horns with the high-flying and cross-Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Eagles.

The Eagles have been in superb form this season, winning seven of their opening ten league games, whilst the Cougars have won five times in as many matches.

Keighley will be without star halfback Luke Gale who has recently signed for Betfred Super League side Wakefield Trinity, a departure that could potentially disrupt the club’s play-off hopes.

League leaders Featherstone Rovers can extend their one hundred percent record when they travel to Widnes.

John Kear’s Vikings side will be intent on causing an upset though as they look to respond following their defeat to Batley last time out.

If selected, Widnes forward Adam Lawton will reach 100 career appearances.

Finally, York Knights lock horns with Newcastle Thunder at the LNER Community Stadium.

The Knights will be looking to earn their second successive league victory after their triumph against London last time out, whilst Newcastle will be aiming to earn their second victory of the season.

York head into the contest as favourites, having won the last five games between the sides.

Round 11 fixtures

Saturday 13 May