Keighley favourites to finish top of League One

Steven Hughes 25 Nov 2021 10:25 PM

Cougar Park Keighley Cougars Toby Everett

Keighley have been named as favourites to be promoted as champions from League One in 2022.

The Cougars have been in the third tier of rugby league since 2015. After the league’s restructure in 2014, Keighley were one of five sides relegated.

Rhys Lovegrove’s side are at 5/2 on with Sky Bet to return to the second tier. They finished fourth in 2021, but a late defeat against Doncaster meant they fell short of reaching the playoff final.

Meanwhile, the second favourites are recently relegated Swinton. The Lions finished bottom of the Championship in 2021 after six seasons in the second tier. However, Allan Coleman’s side are listed at 3/1 to make an immediate return.

Fellow relegated side Oldham are also available at short odds. Stuart Littler’s new side were relegated after their first full season back in the second tier. The Roughyeds are at 6/1 to come straight back up.

After missing out on the playoffs in 2021, Rochdale are also available at good odds. Matt Calland’s side are available at 7/1.

Also at short odds are North Wales. In 2021, they enjoyed their highest finish since they finished top back in 2013. They claimed a third-place finish but could not make an impact in the playoffs-losing both games. The Crusaders are at 8/1.

The final short odds team are Hunslet. It will be Alan Kilshaw’s first full season in charge. They are listed at 9/1 to return to the second tier for the first time since 2015.

League One newcomers Cornwall are available at 10/1 for their first competitive season, while playoff runners-up Doncaster are at 12/1.

Newly branded Midlands Hurricanes are at longer odds at 33/1. London Skolars and West Wales are at the longest odds at 50/1 and 66/1 respectively.