Championship odds out as Wakefield Trinity emerge as clear competition favourite

Wakefield Trinity are the early favourites to win the 2024 Championship. The West Yorkshire club were relegated from Super League last season, but they are now tipped to win the sport's second tier next year.

Trinity, who are set to open a brand-new stand at their Belle Vue home, have recruited several new players to their squad including the likes of Jermaine McGillvary and Lachlan Walmsley, with Daryl Powell and Michael Shenton joining as head coach and assistant coach. The bookies have recognised such efforts, with Betfred placing them 2/5 favourites to win the competition.

Of course, there is no direct promotion to Super League next year with IMG's gradings taking effect from 2024. However, Wakefield are in good shape to reach the topflight once again, following several positive announcements in recent weeks. They have a new owner, Matt Ellis, to add to recent ground and squad improvements, and currently sit in eleventh spot in the IMG table.

Elsewhere, Toulouse Olympique are the second favourite. The French club are priced at 7/1 after losing the Championship Grand Final to promoted London Broncos last season. Featherstone, one of the powerhouses of the competition, are the third favourite at 8/1.

Bradford and Halifax come in at fourth and fifth, with Widnes the sixth favourite at 25/1. Doncaster, who have signed several players having gained promotion from League One, are priced at 50/1, with the least fancied teams being Barrow Raiders, Swinton Lions, and Whitehaven, who are all priced at 100/1. The full list of odds can be found below.

Wakefield Trinity 2/5
Toulouse Olympique 7/1
Featherstone Rovers 8/1
Bradford Bulls 12/1
Halifax Panthers 18/1
Widnes Vikings 25/1
York Knights 28/1
Sheffield Eagles 28/1
Batley Bulldogs 40/1
Doncaster 50/1
Dewsbury Rams 66/1
Barrow Raiders 100/1
Whitehaven 100/1
Swinton Lions 100/1

Odds correct on Betfred as of 14:55 on 13/12/2023