2019 Championship fixtures revealed

The 2019 Betfred Championship fixtures have been released this evening with plenty of intriguing fixtures kicking off the competition.

The Championship first round begins on Sunday February 3rd with promotion favourites Toronto Wolfpack, in their first match under new coach Brian McDermott, travelling to newly promoted York City Knights.

Fellow promoted side Bradford Bulls host Featherstone Rovers in a West Yorkshire derby at Odsal whilst Toulouse travel to Leigh Centurions and relegated Widnes Vikings play Halifax in their first match back in the second tier.

A statement on the RFL website has also stated that Toronto will play either three or four ‘home’ fixtures away from Canada.

“The Wolfpack… will begin their bid to go one better following the appointment of the former Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McDermott by playing up to 12 matches on the road.”

“That will include three or four “home” matches – against Widnes in Round 3, Batley in Round 7, Sheffield in Round 9 and possibly Swinton in Round 12.

The Widnes game will be played as part of a double header with Newcastle Thunder’s opening League One fixture at home to Doncaster at Kingston Park on February 16 – with further details of the other three games to follow.”

“That will leave nine or 10 fixtures at Lamport Stadium, starting either with the Swinton game, or the visit of Bradford Bulls on Saturday May 4.”

The full 2019 Betfred Championship fixture list can be read here

Full first round fixtures (3pm kick-offs):

Leigh Centurions vs Toulouse Olympique

Batley Bulldogs vs Barrow Raiders

Bradford Bulls vs Featherstone Rovers

Rochdale Hornets vs Dewsbury Rams

Sheffield Eagles vs Swinton Lions

Widnes Vikings vs Halifax

York City Knights vs Toronto Wolfpack