The end of the regular Betfred Championship season is fast approaching, with both the top and bottom end of the league unbelievably close.
Round 24 kickstarts with Toulouse v Halifax on Saturday, as the French side look to keep a hold of second spot.
One standout tie of the round then includes Featherstone entertaining Sheffield at the Millenium Stadium on Sunday.
Fev were given a shock when they were comfortably beaten by Swinton last weekend, while the Eagles fell out of the top six following their defeat to Bradford.
It’s 6th v 7th with the two teams currently level on league points as well as points difference – meaning the winner of this match will claim sixth spot heading into the penultimate round of the Championship competition.
It’s a huge clash between the two sides, and although the Rovers have won their last seven home meetings with Sheffield, it’s the Eagles who won 18-16 in the reverse round.
Can the Rovers bounce back, or will the Eagles avoid a sixth straight defeat?
It’s a massive game for the Lions on Sunday, who moved level on points with Whitehaven and one behind Barrow following their emphatic win against Featherstone in Round 23.
They face Dewsbury in Round 24, as they aim to strengthen their chances of survival.
A tense Cumbrian derby awaits as Barrow host Whitehaven – two teams embroiled in a relegation battle, and it’s a must-win game for both.
Round 2 saw a scintillating contest last time out, with Whitehaven snatching a 23-22 win on their home patch. Will we see more of the same at Craven Park on Sunday?
Can Bradford make it four consecutive wins? They are back at Bartercard Odsal in Round 24 and will take on Batley. The Bulls have come into form at the business end of the season and look to be in an incredible neck and neck battle with Toulouse for who takes second place.
Widnes visit Doncaster, and the Dons will be hoping to end their first year back in the second tier on a high.
Despite occupying fourth place, the Vikings’ Play-Off place is yet to be secured, as they find themselves just one point ahead of York, Featherstone and Sheffield – where one team will miss out of the top six.
Finally, Wakefield’s run of home games continues as they welcome a motivated York side, who climbed into fifth place last weekend.
It's a tough test for the Knights, but could be as equally a tough test for the table toppers, with York having won ten out of their last 13 matches under Mark Applegarth's tenure.
This Round 24 fixture will be broadcast live on The Sportsman and it's set to be a tasty encounter as Knights head coach Applegarth returns to the DIY Kitchens Stadium for the first time since his departure last season, as his team continue their remarkable Play-Off race.
Betfred Championship Round 24 fixtures:
Toulouse Olympique v Halifax Panthers
Featherstone Rovers v Sheffield Eagles
Dewsbury Rams v Swinton Lions
Bradford Bulls v Batley Bulldogs
Doncaster RLFC v Widnes Vikings
Barrow Raiders v Whitehaven RLFC
Wakefield Trinity v York RLFC
The full fixture list for the Betfred Championship and all of the relevant information and kick-off times can be found here.
Photo Credit: Barrow Raiders
