Published Date:
02 July 2009
FEATHERSTONE Rovers will be without back-row forward Jamie Field for the rest of the season.
Field (pictured) was intitially expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks after sustaining a dislocated shoulder in last month's Northern Rail Cup quarterfinal victory over Oldham but the injury is now more serious than first thought.
Rovers coach Daryl Powell said: "Jamie won't play again this season. The scans have shown it's a bad injury and he'll need an operation."
Jon Steel is set to return in Sunday's home game against Gateshead Thunder. He missed last weekend's win over Toulouse after pulling a hamstring in training.
Ian Hardman took a knock on his elbow against Toulouse but he should also be okay.
Rovers have been boosted by the return of former Great Brtain half-hack Iestyn Harris who made his comeback last weekend after missing four matches with torn biceps.
"Iestyn came through without any ill effects and he'll be better for getting a game under his belt. He'll be available again this weekend," said Powell.
Rovers will aim to complete a league double over Gateshead who they defeated 23-2 at The Thunderdrome in April.
But Powell will not be taking anything for granted against lowly Thunder, who beat leaders Halifax 34-28 last Sunday.
"Gateshead have won their last two games and are playing well. They've got loads of Aussies and they've plenty of loan signings as well," he said.
"They've changed a bit since the last time we played against them. We need to guard against complacency. I don't think there's any room for it in this league at the moment. It's tough right the way down to Gateshead and Batley. It's a difficult league and you need to be consistent. We need to play well this weekend.
"Gateshead are a dangerous team. They've conceded a lot of points but with the ball they are exceptionally dangerous.
"Luke Branighan is a very good player and his kicking game is excellent and Dylan Nash at centre is very strong. They have a real solid base of players and if they get things together defensively they are a very difficult team to beat.
"We are going to have to be good without the ball because they will come at us.
"Every week is like a semi-final now because most teams are playing well and there's only really Doncaster who are struggling for obvious reasons.
"It's important we are consistent in what we do. When we play the way we did against Toulouse we are very difficult to beat. Obviously that is what we are after on a regular basis.
"Competition for places has been a real positive sign for us. Players who are playing well will get selected in the team. The reserves have been going well and are top of their table and that's put a little bit of pressure on and that's what we need."
A bucket collection will be held before, during and after Sunday's game against Gateshead for the charity "Help 4 Heroes", which supports injured service men and women. The collection is part of the club's association with the Army.
Rovers chief executive Andy Prout said: "We would like all of our fans to support this very worthy cause."
Rovers are opening the clubhouse on Thursday evenings to show Sky TV's Championship game live on a giant screen. Tonight's (Thursday) match is Barrow Raiders v Toulouse Olympique.
Mr Prout said: "We have a big screen on the stage which is fantastic for these events. Supporters can come to the ground, watch the first- team squad train, then watch the game live, enjoying a beer and refreshments while they do."
Latest £500 winners in the Rovers treasure chest lottery are B Knowles (K1975), J Whiting (V4333), G Beverley (L5837), F Master (E3568) and J Makepeace (N2874).
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Last Updated:
02 July 2009 6:55 AM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Pontefract & Castleford