What will this weekend bring in Round 17’s Betfred Championship? As seen in the previous round, anything can happen!
Toulouse are back in action at home and will be looking to back up their incredible win against Wakefield last Saturday.
The French side are undefeated in their last ten matches and could make this eleven when they welcome a struggling Dewsbury Rams to Stade Ernest-Wallon – a side who are seeking their first ever away victory in the south of France.
But the Rams should not be underestimated by any means, as they made life extremely hard for Batley last time out and will aim to test themselves against a strong Toulouse outfit.
Last week’s result also saw Sylvain Houles’ men overtake Sheffield into second spot in the Championship table – but will they be able to keep a hold of this in Round 17?
On Sunday, Doncaster will look to secure back-to-back wins when they take on Barrow at the Eco-Power Stadium. The Dons pulled off a thrilling win against Featherstone in Round 16, and at this moment, find themselves just one point away from sixth place.
Likewise, Barrow also recorded a huge victory in the previous round, beating Sheffield on home turf.
As both sides come into this game having beaten top six opposition, it’s set to be a cracking contest. Doncaster did win heavily in the reverse fixture, however, but can they complete the double over their Cumbrian opposition?
Whitehaven also away from home this weekend, as they travel to Olympic Legacy Park to face the Eagles.
It’s a second successive Cumbrian test for the South Yorkshire side – will they bounce back, or could they be at risking of falling to a third straight defeat?
Mark Aston’s men will hope to right their wrongs quickly with a second-placed finish at stake - as they find themselves embroiled in a battle with Toulouse at the top end of the table.
Batley will then look to make it three wins on the spin when they host Halifax. It’s a crucial two points for Mark Moxon’s men, who are currently level on league points with Featherstone.
The Panthers came close against Widnes in Round 16 and were winners in Round 3’s meeting against Batley. Who will take the spoils on Sunday?
Every two points will matter from now, with ten regular rounds left to play…
And it’s an important two points on offer for York and Swinton, as just two points separate them both in the league standings – and it’s a league impossible to predict in 2024.
The Knights have won their last nine home meetings with Swinton, but have the Lions chasing them down, which means it could be a close one to call.
There’s a 4th v 5th meeting between Championship heavyweights Widnes and Bradford – who both experienced tight games against Halifax and York last Sunday.
Finally, there’s a blockbuster derby between Wakefield and Featherstone at the DIY Kitchens Stadium. Tensions will be running high, as both teams look to return to winning ways at the first attempt.
Trinity suffered their first league defeat of the season in Toulouse last weekend, as the French side ran in six tries to end their unbeaten run, while Featherstone endured a disappointing home defeat to Doncaster.
It’s one a-piece in 2024 where the league and cup are concerned – where both have been excitingly close encounters - and there’s certainly going to be no love lost this time around.
With a bumper crowd expected, could we see another blood and thunder battle between these two sides?
Betfred Championship Round 17 fixtures:
Toulouse Olympique v Dewsbury Rams
Doncaster RLFC v Barrow Raiders
Batley Bulldogs v Halifax Panthers
Widnes Vikings v Bradford Bulls
Sheffield Eagles v Whitehaven RLFC
York Knights v Swinton Lions
Wakefield Trinity 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.
