Easter Weekend is on the horizon for the Betfred Championship – and if fans thought Rivals Round was just a concept in the Betfred Super League then fear not, because there are some unmissable rivalries happening in Round 9 of the second tier!
The Good Friday tradition will continue with six blockbuster derbies taking place, where two points and the all-important bragging rights are at stake…
Who’s ready for real rugby league feast?
Workington and Whitehaven kick things off with the famous Cumbrian Derby. Town secured a double over their opponents in 2025, but who claim the spoils in 2026?
Barrow Raiders and Widnes Vikings go head-to-head in Round 9. Both teams are level on league points, but who will be above the other following Friday’s result?
Two in-form sides Sheffield Eagles and Doncaster will entertain one another in the iconic South Yorkshire Derby. It’s the Dons who have won the last two meetings.
A win for Richard Horne’s side would see them move level on points with league leaders London Broncos…
Meanwhile, Oldham host Rochdale in a local encounter, whilst Goole clash with Newcastle as part of the Good Friday action for the first time.
Can both the Roughyeds and Thunder secure a fourth straight win? Or will their rivals have something to say about that?
There’s more to look forward to on Good Friday as the return of the Heavy Woollen Derby is warmly welcomed. They haven’t met since an early round Betfred Challenge Cup match in February last year, meaning their reunion is eagerly anticipated.
Batley versus Dewsbury has become a historic fan favourite over the years and there will certainly be no love lost when the old foes lock horns at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium.
The Bulldogs have won eight of their last ten competitive meetings against the Rams.
On Saturday, Keighley and Hunslet battle it out.
We’re then set for an epic counter between North Wales Crusaders and Midlands Hurricanes at Colwyn Bay on Easter Sunday.
Swinton against Salford also sees out what is bound to be a memorable weekend.
The Lions haven’t beaten a Salford team since 1985, but could that all be set to change as they search for their first Championship win of 2026? There’d be no better way to do it than over the Easter Weekend!
Betfred Championship Round 9 fixtures:
Friday 3 April
Whitehaven RLFC v Workington Town (K.O. 1pm)
Barrow Raiders v Widnes Vikings (K.O. 3pm)
Sheffield Eagles v Doncaster RLFC (K.O. 3pm)
Oldham RLFC v Rochdale Hornets (K.O. 3.45pm)
Goole Vikings v Newcastle Thunder (K.O. 5pm)
Batley Bulldogs v Dewsbury Rams (K.O. 5pm)
Saturday 4 April
Keighley Cougars v Hunslet RLFC (K.O. 1pm)
Sunday 5 April
Swinton Lions v Salford RLFC (K.O. 2pm)
North Wales Crusaders v Midlands Hurricanes (K.O. 3pm)
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 to play the Championship Predictor Game today!
The Betfred Championship’s full fixture list can be found here.
Photo Credit: Doncaster RLFC
