Round 23 of the Betfred Championship is here, and it’s all to play for with four regular rounds to go!
Firstly, Barrow host Toulouse, as the Raiders look to further break away from the relegation battle. But it’s the French side who have won their last ten meetings with the Cumbrian outfit and are fighting to maintain second spot in the table.
It’s a big clash between Batley and Doncaster, and it’s a must-win game for both teams - for the loser’s Play-Offs chances will most certainly be scuppered!
The two sides have only met once in 2024, with Doncaster running out 26-0 victors in Round 8. Who will bounce back in Round 23?
Sunday will also see three standout ties unfold – firstly it’s Sheffield v Bradford at Olympic Legacy Park, and the Eagles can ill afford to suffer a fifth straight loss.
With the Bulls on a mission and eyeing up second-placed Toulouse, the Eagles find themselves sitting in sixth place and at risk of slipping further down the league ladder if results don’t go their way this weekend.
Then, a rejuvenated York outfit will travel to face Widnes – and could break into the top six for the first time this season, if they were to win and Sheffield were to endure defeat.
The revival of the Knights has been a joy to watch since midway through the year, and Mark Applegarth’s men are well and truly in the race for a place in the 2024 Play-Offs.
It’s set to be an exciting encounter, with Widnes also aiming for second.
Can Featherstone make it six wins in a row? Their recent run of form has kept James Ford’s men in the top six, but they aren’t safe just yet – and will need to keep picking up the points if they want to stay there.
The two points on offer as are equally as crucial for the hosts, Swinton, however, as the Lions currently occupy 13th place and are staring at the strong possibility of relegation.
Their last meeting was a sensational try fest – with Swinton claiming a 40-42 win over Fev back in Round 10. Could they possibly do the double and halt the high-flying Rovers?
Then, Wakefield welcome Whitehaven to the DIY Kitchens Stadium, while Halifax are at home to Dewsbury.
Betfred Championship Round 23 fixtures:
Barrow Raiders v Toulouse Olympique
Batley Bulldogs v Doncaster RLFC
Sheffield Eagles v Bradford Bulls
Swinton Lions v Featherstone Rovers
Widnes Vikings v York Knights
Wakefield Trinity v Whitehaven RLFC
Halifax Panthers v Dewsbury Rams
The full fixture list for the Betfred Championship and all of the relevant information and kick-off times can be found here.
Photo Credit: Sheffield Eagles
