The Betfred Championship returns after a week’s break for the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Quarter Finals - and here's what we can expect in the league this weekend...
It’s Friday night under the lights for Hunslet and Halifax, as top versus bottom will come up against each other in Round 6.
Both sides will be fresh on the back of a week off due to cup action, which means it’s set to be an enticing encounter over at the South Leeds Stadium.
Hunslet are still seeking their first win of 2025, whilst a formidable ‘Fax are searching for a sixth straight win and to remain the only unbeaten side in the competition this year.
The Panthers have won their last ten meetings with Hunslet, with their last meeting coming in 2019. Kyle Eastmond’s men currently sit three points clear at the top of the Championship table after an impressive start, and will be hoping they can maintain this lead at the weekend.
On Saturday there are two ties as Sheffield welcome Toulouse and London host Batley in the capital.
Both Sheffield and Toulouse endured narrow losses in Round 5, so will be determined to bounce back at the first attempt.
Sunday’s action sees Widnes and Barrow go head-to-head at the DCBL Stadium. They last faced each other in the final game of the 2024 regular season, where Allan Coleman’s men came from behind to clinch a 24-26 in Cumbria.
Will we see similar drama this time around?
Then, York Knights host Doncaster in Round 6 and will be motivated by their massive win in the 1895 Cup quarters against the Vikings.
The Knights have also won their last two league matches after an initial shaky start, but cannot afford to underestimate a spirited Doncaster - a side who managed to pull off an emphatic home win against Toulouse in the previous round - and for a second year running!
It has to be noted that Mark Applegarth's men did enjoy the spoils in their last encounter, however, nilling the Dons 27-0 on home turf.
Finally, two teams who progressed to the 1895 Cup semis last Sunday, Oldham and Featherstone, will meet at Boundary Park.
Second-place Oldham have continued their fine form following promotion to the Championship, whereas the Rovers have endured a rather inconsistent and uncharacteristic start to the new campaign.
Fev should be boosted by their huge victory in the 1895 Cup quarters against London - although have a tough task on their hands when they take on the Roughyeds - a team currently unbeaten at their home ground.
Whichever way we look at it, it's predicted to be a bruising affair with a very important two points up for grabs...
Betfred Championship Round 6 fixtures:
Hunslet v Halifax Panthers
Sheffield Eagles v Toulouse Olympique
London Broncos v Batley Bulldogs
Widnes Vikings v Barrow Raiders
York Knights v Doncaster
Oldham v Featherstone Rovers
Bradford Bulls – Bye week
ICYMI: The draw for the Semi Finals of the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup will be held next Sunday (April 13) at 220pm at Boundary Park, before Oldham’s Betfred Championship fixture against Featherstone Rovers – and broadcast live on BBC Radio Manchester. Full details can be found here.
Don’t forget you can make your Betfred Championship predictions on the Rugby League website here or in the Our League app now. Download the Our League app on iOS or on Android to start playing the Predictor Game!
The Betfred Championship’s full fixture list can be found here.
Photo Credit: York Knights
