Although the World Club Series is dominating the headlines this weekend, there’s still a full round of Championship action for fans to get excited about this weekend. In fact, it promises to be the most enthralling round of action yet – so here’s five things that are well worth keeping an eye on in this weekend’s Championship games.
Can London’s under-the-radar start continue?
With Leigh losing on the opening weekend and full-time sides like Bradford and Sheffield still unbeaten, the start of London Broncos has slipped under the radar somewhat. The Broncos have also won their first two matches of the new season, but this Sunday, they travel to Leigh in a mouthwatering clash between two of the full-time teams in the division. Will Andrew Henderson’s men spring another upset?
Dewsbury aiming for their perfect start to continue
Another side who are two from two following the opening fortnight in the Championship are Dewsbury Rams. Glenn Morrison’s men have won both of their matches so far in 2016, and they face winless Oldham on Sunday, looking good odds to make it three in a row, potentially going to the top of the Championship if results go their way.
Friends reunited for John Kear
John Kear’s place in Sheffield Eagles history is well-documented, but this Sunday, he will be looking to put a halt to their unbeaten start to the season when the Eagles visit Kear’s Batley side. The Bulldogs picked up an impressive win against Leigh in round one, but lost to Featherstone last Sunday. Will they bounce back and claim another full-time scalp? With Kear at the helm, you can’t rule against it.
How will Bradford handle the iPitch?
There are two games on Saturday in the Championship, with Bradford’s clash against Swinton one of them. The game has been moved to Widnes’ Select Security Stadium, meaning the Bulls and the Lions will have to deal with Widnes’ infamous iPitch. Bradford are no strangers to it having played there in Super League – but will they be able to readjust sufficiently to consign Swinton to another defeat and make it three wins from three for the Bulls?
Can Whitehaven kickstart their season?
Whitehaven’s experimentation with Saturday games continues this week when they take on Featherstone. It’s been a far from ideal opening fortnight for Haven, who sit bottom of the table having shipped 98 points in just two matches. The challenge from the Rovers will be a fierce one – so can Whitehaven finally get up and running at the third time of asking?
