1 Jun 2023

Betfred Championship Preview | Round 13

The Betfred Championship returns this weekend following last weekend’s thrilling Summer Bash at York’s LNER Community Stadium.

First up in is the Magic Weekend ‘curtain raiser’ between Newcastle Thunder and Bradford Bulls on Friday evening.

Thunder head into the contest following their spirited showing in a 38-32 defeat to high-flying Sheffield Eagles in York last weekend. Bradford, meanwhile, ran in eight tries to sweep past local neighbours Keighley Cougars by 42 points to 18.

On Saturday, Toulouse Olympique welcome Halifax Panthers to the Stade Ernest-Wallon.

Olympique will be desperate to return to winning ways after suffering their fifth defeat of the season last time out – Sylvain Houle’s side currently lie ten points adrift of league leaders Featherstone Rovers.

Toulouse have won the last four meetings between the sides and will be hopeful of recording another victory this weekend.

Five games take place on Sunday, with four of those being held across Yorkshire.

Craig Lingard’s Batley can earn their fifth straight league victory, but standing in their way is Andrew Henderson’s York Knights. The Knights fell to defeat against Featherstone at last weekend’s Summer Bash and will be aiming to bounce back at the first time of asking against the Bulldogs.

Batley’s Lucas Walshaw has scored a try in the last three meetings between the sides.

Elsewhere, Featherstone face off against Barrow Raiders at the Millennium Stadium. Rovers can make it thirteen wins from as many games, whilst Barrow will be looking to build on their impressive round 12 triumph against local rivals Whitehaven and earn their first away win against Featherstone since June 2019.

Across the county, Keighley face off against Swinton at Cougar Park. One player looking to make his mark in the contest will be Swinton’s Mike Butt - the Welsh international is just one try away from reaching 100 career tries.

Second-placed Sheffield lock horns with Whitehaven at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, with the Eagles looking to earn their fourth successive victory over Haven.

Sheffield halfback Anthony Thackeray has scored in the last four meetings between the sides and is just three scores away from reaching 250 career tries.

Also three tries away from achieving the same milestone is Thackeray’s teammate, Ben Jones-Bishop.

Finally, over in Cheshire, Widnes Vikings face off against London Broncos at the DCBL Stadium. Both sides recorded impressive victories at last weekend’s Summer Bash and will be looking to continue their good run of form this Sunday.

Widnes forward Sam Wilde could make his 150th career appearance, if selected for John Kear’s side.

Round 13 Fixtures

Friday 2 June