The Betfred Championship returns after a week out for Round 2 of the Betfred Challenge Cup.
Barrow Raiders and Salford will bring the Saturday night action. Both sides come into this Round 2 match on the back of big wins in the Challenge Cup (also Round 2), so will be feeling confident ahead of the weekend.
The Raiders also enjoyed a strong 0-40 victory over Workington Town in Round 1 of the Championship, and will be looking to remain unbeaten across all competitions.
Can Salford cause a surprise? The sides haven’t met since 2003.
Then, one of the standout ties of the round sees London host Oldham. These sides are expected to be two of the main title contenders in 2026, with this Round 2 clash a perfect opportunity to hit the ground running.
There’s a tasty tie between Halifax Panthers and Batley Bulldogs, as the Bulldogs get their league season underway.
The Panthers are also being predicted to have another strong year, and Kyle Eastmond’s men will be determined to get off the mark following a narrow defeat to Doncaster in the opening round.
Dewsbury Rams meet Keighley Cougars with both teams raring to go after their respective opening round wins.
The Rams have won their last five home meetings with the Cougars, although it was Keighley who were 22-16 victors in their most recent outing, in Round 14 last year.
Can Midlands Hurricanes overcome Doncaster for the first time in their history? They’ll be hoping to get off the mark on Sunday, but the Dons have impressed in both league and cup so far and are going to be a real force to be reckoned with.
Workington will need to improve their performance massively if they are to get their season up and running. Another road trip awaits them, and this week it’s to Rochdale Hornets’ Crown Oil Arena.
It was one apiece last season, which means anything could happen in Round 2 this time round.
Elsewhere, who will get their first Championship win between Swinton Lions and Goole Vikings? And can a rejuvenated Newcastle Thunder bank back-to-back league wins when they travel to Cumbria to play Whitehaven on Sunday?
Finally, Widnes Vikings are back on home soil and are ready to welcome North Wales Crusaders.
Betfred Championship Round 2 fixtures:
Salford RLFC v Hunslet RLFC
Dewsbury Rams v Keighley Cougars
Midlands Hurricanes v Doncaster RLFC
Halifax Panthers v Batley Bulldogs
London Broncos v Oldham RLFC
Rochdale Hornets v Workington Town
Swinton Lions v Goole Vikings
Whitehaven v Newcastle Thunder
Widnes Vikings v North Wales Crusaders
Don’t forget you can make your Betfred Championship predictions on the Rugby League website here or in the Our League app. Download Our League on iOS or on Android and start playing the Championship Predictor Game today!
The Betfred Championship’s full fixture list can be found here.
Photo Credit: Doncaster RLFC
