Dewsbury threatened with relegation?
With so much going on in the Championship, Dewsbury’s struggles have rarely been documented. But should they lose at Whitehaven on Saturday and Oldham somehow salvage something at home to Leigh, the Rams will be in the bottom two by the start of next week.
It’s been a very difficult year for Glenn Morrison’s side so far, with injuries taking their toll in the last few weeks. But nobody would have ever envisaged a relegation battle in 2016.
Currently joint on eight points with Oldham and their opponents Whitehaven, a victory would give them a cushion, but defeat will see them in a very unsavoury position.
Rohan Smith makes his first Odsal appearance
After weeks of speculation, the Bulls finally confirmed Smith as the man to replace the outgoing James Lowes.
Following approval of his visa, Smith has caught a flight and is Bradford-bound, with his first appearance at The Provident Stadium coming on Sunday when the Bulls host the in-form Swinton Lions, who have won their last five matches.
It’s unlikely that Smith will be in charge, but Bradford fans will be keen to get a glimpse of their new man and see what the new era has in store for them at Odsal.
Will Rangi Chase make an appearance at Oldham?
Speculation has spread like wildfire ever since we revealed the 30-year-old was on his way out of Leigh Centurions.
It’s been chaos since; the owner insists Chase has his backing, the head coach admits something is going on, and the man himself has been silent since the news broke.
While Derek Beaumont has confirmed that Chase is injured, we will get a very good indication of what the future holds for the former Man of Steel depending on his whereabouts when the Centurions travel to Bower Fold.
Massive top four battle for Batley and Halifax
For both clubs, it is the biggest game of the season.
Halifax and Batley currently occupy fifth and sixth place respectively in the Championship ladder and neither can afford to lose this game.
Batley could move three points behind the top four pack should they lose, while Halifax are desperate to stay level on points with Bradford and Featherstone above them.
Every game between the two sides has been separated by no more than 10 points over the last four years, so it promises to be an incredibly tense game.
London look to secure top four spot
You’d have to imagine if London can overcome Featherstone at the weekend, their place in the top four will be secure.
The Broncos already have a six point advantage over the fourth-placed Rovers, and if they could extend that to eight with nine games to play, they’d be confident of making the Qualifiers.
It’s also a massive game for Featherstone, who currently hold fourth place due to a slightly better points difference than Halifax, but defeat would definitely see them drop down the league with one of Halifax or Batley overtaking them.
