Betfred Championship Semi-Final Preview | Toulouse Olympique v Bradford Bulls

The second Betfred Championship Semi-Final sees two heavyweights of the competition go head-to-head, as Toulouse Olympique host Bradford Bulls.

It’s set to be a blockbuster battle between 2nd v 3rd in the south of France, but there can only be one winner.

Both sides have been in fine form over the course of the year, with Toulouse embarking on a 12-game winning streak mid-season, and the Bulls gearing up towards the back end of the fixtures.

The Bulls finished three points behind Toulouse in the league table. They came close to pipping second spot on numerous occasions but couldn’t quite catch up with their Championship counterparts.

The French side enter this game on the back of a five-game winning streak, and with home advantage in their favour. Sylvain Houles’ men have only lost twice on home soil this season to both Swinton Lions and York Knights and have created a real fortress.

The Bulls are no strangers to Stade Ernest Wallon, however, and last travelled there in Round 14 - where a brutal affair unfolded and ended in a deserved 12-12 draw.

The reverse fixture, in Round 4, also saw Bradford secure a 19-12 victory at Bartercard Odsal, which means anything could happen in Sunday’s semi-final.

Eamon O’Carroll’s men were ruthless in last week’s Eliminator match, downing local rivals Featherstone Rovers 25-12.

Sunday’s game is also a rematch of last year’s semi-final, where the Bulls were beaten 38-20 by Toulouse in France. Can they enact revenge in 2024?

Likewise, Toulouse know all about the pressures of Play-Off Rugby League. They reached the Championship Grand Final last season, before falling heartbreakingly short to London Broncos in a shock defeat.

Prior to this, they made their way to the 2021 Million Pound Game to win promotion into the Betfred Super League.

As two of the top sides in the competition, it’s a close one to call, but anything can happen in knock out rugby league!

Who are you backing?

The winner of this semi-final match will play either Wakefield Trinity or York Knights in the Grand Final.

Betfred Championship Semi-Final 2:

Toulouse Olympique v Bradford Bulls, Sunday 13 October, (K.O. 5pm)