Betfred Championship Preview

Play-off places to be confirmed

While the five teams inside the Betfred Championship play-offs are confirmed, there could still be movement in the positioning as we head into the final weekend of the season.

Toronto Wolfpack will head into the play-offs in top spot after sealing the League Leaders’ Shield but both Toulouse Olympique and York City Knights could claim 2^nd place. As long as the French side equal or better York’s result they will finish 2^nd, should Toulouse lose it would open the door for York to climb above them.

Should York lose against Halifax, Leigh Centurions would move into 3^rd if they avoid defeat in Canada. If Leigh were to lose against Toronto, Featherstone Rovers could finish the season in 4^th if they were to beat Toulouse. 

Featherstone’s home fixture against Toulouse has implications throughout the play-off race and the Rovers come into the game on the back of a 0-64 hammering of Batley last weekend. Toulouse have won each of their last six outings – including three on the road – and have scored a huge 270 points in this period. 

🗣️ "A real comprehensive win."

👏 @AHendo09 was impressed with @FevRovers' huge victory at the weekend and believes this will give them confidence heading into the @Betfred Championship play-offs.

Watch - IN FULL - on #OURLEAGUE 👉 https://t.co/TcVGx1sSP5 pic.twitter.com/iroynA3xqC

— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) September 4, 2019

Leigh face the unenviable task of trying to earn victory in Toronto, a feat which no Championship side has managed in 2019. The Centurions’ five-game winning run in the Championship came to a halt last weekend with a late defeat against York while the Wolfpack are looking for their 21^st consecutive league victory. 

James Ford’s York travel to Halifax in search of a third consecutive victory knowing that the only teams they have suffered defeat against since Summer Bash are currently the two sides who sit above them in the Championship. Halifax will be looking to finish the season strongly after a 58-0 win over Rochdale last week; just their second Championship victory since Summer Bash.

📹 @Jen_Norr is joined by @AHendo09 as they discuss all the latest action from the @Betfred Championship including a classic between @LeighCenturions and @YorkKnightsRLFC in front of the #OURLEAGUE cameras!

Watch - IN FULL - on #OURLEAGUE now 👉 https://t.co/PoVFolvHYK pic.twitter.com/OLYjp6eOej

— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) September 3, 2019

Bradford Bulls’ play-off hopes were dashed last weekend despite victory over Sheffield Eagles, who also fell out of play-off contention due to the result. Bradford face basement club Rochdale on Sunday at the Crown Oil Arena looking to win their 4^th consecutive Championship fixture. The Hornets haven’t won a game since a 20-8 win over Barrow on 3^rd March.  

Swinton Lions host the inaugural AB Sundecks 1895 Cup winners Sheffield Eagles at Heywood Road aiming to end the season on a high after a loss last time out to Widnes. The Eagles can finish 6^th should they win, and Bradford lose.

Barrow Raiders’ relegation last weekend meant Championship survival for Widnes Vikings and the Cumbrian side welcome Batley Bulldogs this weekend as they begin to build for next season while the Vikings travel to Dewsbury Rams. 

Saturday 7 September

Featherstone Rovers v Toulouse Olympique (3pm)

Toronto Wolfpack v Leigh Centurions (6pm)

Sunday 8 September

Barrow Raiders v Batley Bulldogs (3pm)

Dewsbury Rams v Widnes Vikings (3pm)

Halifax RLFC v York City Knights (3pm)

Rochdale Hornets v Bradford Bulls (3pm)

Swinton Lions v Sheffield Eagles (3pm)