Halifax may be able to hold on to Broncos with handy head start

London v Halifax
Sky Sports Arena 7.05pm Saturday

London Broncos have spent the past four seasons in the wilderness after relegation from the Betfred Super League in 2014 but now there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

If Danny Ward’s team avoid defeat by more than 23 points at home to Halifax, they will be guaranteed a place in next weekend’s Million Pound Game - the playoff for the final spot in next year’s top flight.

Any hopes of automatic promotion are dependent on the outcome of Friday night’s clash between Leeds and Toronto.

Ward was named Championship coach of the year after an outstanding first season in charge with Halifax boss Richard Marshall among the nominees.

Fax have lost all six of their games in the Qualifiers but they have rattled some cages along the way including when level with champions Leeds at half-time last weekend.

They were beaten 20-18 after trailing 14-0 on their regular-season trip to Ealing in July and beat the Broncos 26-18 at the Shay three months previously so it’s surprising to see the visitors given a 20-point handicap start. They look worth backing with that buffer.

It’s also worth supporting Catalans in the Super 8s dead rubber against Huddersfield at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.

Dragons boss Steve McNamara brings in Louis Anderson and Remi Casty For Kenny Edwards and Ladbrokes Challenge Cup final man of the match Tony Gigot and the French team are likely to want to finish their trophy winning season on a high in front of their own fans.

They showed that they haven’t put the cue on the rack by winning at Hull last weekend and can see off a Huddersfield side who have lost their last four games.

Catalans won the corresponding regular-season game 27-6 on Easter Monday and also triumphed at Huddersfield in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals on the way to Wembley glory.

Recommendations
Halifax +20
2pts 10-11 general
Catalans
4pts 10-11 Sky Bet

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