The second division of UK RL has commenced, known as the Championship. Fourteen teams compete for the chance to gain entry to the elite Super League competition. One will make it with one side coming down from SL. Of course, this assumes the status quo will apply by season's end.
This competition is hard to predict, especially for me as I haven't followed it until recently. With that caveat, I will proceed.
Top-notch: My pick to be promoted is the Toulouse Olympique club from France. They have the set-up and backing to make a success of playing at the elite level. Featherstone Rovers are always competing and for such a small town do remarkably well.
In the running: The York City Knights have ambition, and a nice new stadium so would be a nice fit at the top level. The Widnes Vikings were until recently at the top so one cannot discount them.
Long shots and no-hopers: Long shots would include the Sheffield Eagles which are a team that has potential as do the Dewsbury Rams. The Batley Bulldogs has a staunch following and a useful side. The Halifax Panthers still have claws so can't be totally written off. The London Broncos want to be a top side again but have work to do.
The no-hopers would be Oldham, Newcastle, Swinton, Whitehaven and Bradford. They aren't bad sides but I don't see them going up. I hope that is a fair assessment. For a taste of what the Championship is about, the brief highlights video above will give you an idea.
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