The Betfred Championship has already shown that it is at its most competitive yet, and here is a preview of all seven fixtures taking place at the weekend in Round 4…
Bradford Bulls will be looking to make it three from three and secure back-to-back home wins when they welcome Toulouse to Bartercard Odsal on Saturday.
The Bulls triumphed in a terrific win over local rivals Featherstone last weekend, whereas Toulouse were defeated in their home opener by Swinton Lions.
The two sides last met in the Championship Play-Off Semi-Finals where Toulouse broke Bradford’s hearts, beating them 38-20 to secure a place in the Final.
But promotion to the top flight wasn’t to be for the French outfit, who find themselves battling with the Bulls once again in Round 4, and it is set to be a blistering contest.
Meanwhile, Swinton Lions, who produced a phenomenal performance in Round 3 to lead in France and record a memorable victory over Toulouse, will be put to the test once again when they host an unbeaten Sheffield Eagles.
They have already met once in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup competition this year, which saw Sheffield clinch a narrow 12-14 victory.
Fans have witnessed a series of close contests between the two sides in recent seasons and with both sides carrying confidence and momentum, who will come out on top?
Over in Widnes, Allan Coleman’s men will entertain Halifax Panthers at the DCBL Stadium. The Vikings are also yet to taste defeat in 2024’s Championship and will hope to maintain their 100% winning record on Sunday.
They completed the double over Halifax last year, who will be looking make it back-to-back wins to climb the league ladder and challenge at the top.
There’s a feast of Cumbrian action at the weekend, as Barrow and Whitehaven are in action at home to two West Yorkshire sides.
Barrow play Dewsbury and will look to back up their brilliant win over York Knights which saw Brad Walker slot over a last minute drop goal to cruelly snatch the spoils.
Dewsbury however, haven’t been able to capitalise on their Round 1 win over Batley and are just one win from three.
Whitehaven will play a winless Batley – although it is Batley who have won their last four away meetings with Haven.
Over in Yorkshire, Wakefield Trinity will return to the LNER Community Stadium for the second time this year to face York Knights. Their last outing there saw Trinity ease to a 4-40 victory and finish top of their group in the 1895 Cup group stages, and Daryl Powell’s men will be aiming to produce a similar performance and make it four wins out of four.
The Knights are still searching for their first win and will know they have a tough test on their hands come Sunday.
Then, Doncaster will look to make the most of their back-to-back home fixtures when Featherstone Rovers come to town. The sides last met in 2018 and there’s been a lot of changes at both clubs since then.
Both teams have managed to register one win under their belts so far and will hope to return to winning ways in Round 4. But who will claim their second win of the season?
Betfred Championship Round 4 fixtures:
Bradford Bulls v Toulouse Olympique
Swinton Lions v Sheffield Eagles
Widnes Vikings v Halifax Panthers
York Knights v Wakefield Trinity
Barrow Raiders v Dewsbury Rams
Whitehaven RLFC v Batley Bulldogs
Doncaster RLFC v Featherstone Rovers
The full fixture list for the Betfred Championship and all of the relevant information and kick-off times can be found here.
Photo Credit: RLPIX and Widnes Vikings
