FEATHERSTONE must be at their best to beat Sheffield tomorrow, Jon Sharp told the Express yesterday.
Speaking before tomorrow's trip to the Don Valley Stadium, coach Sharp said Rovers must combat the Eagles' error-free and patient approach if they are to maintain their fine run.
Featherstone are unbeaten in three matches since the ex-Giants boss
joined the Post Office Road coaching set-up and can depose Sheffield in the play-off zone if they prevent the South Yorkshiremen taking a bonus point.
Said Sharp: "Sheffield are a dogged team, who don't make many errors. Dom Brambani has a good kicking game, he's patient and he takes them around the park well.
Patient
"They don't throw a great deal at you but they don't make mistakes and can wear you down. They're difficult to beat at their place.
"We've spoken about the form of late. Friday's opponents may not be perceived of the same quality as Celtic and Salford but the biggest threat this weekend is from ourselves and our attitude.
"Thinking the job is done before we even get there - that's the danger.
"We've put two good performances against two good teams. We've got to carry that on against Sheffield because if we don't, we'll get beat.
"Both teams are coming off really tough games, we're battle hardened and playing with confidence. The team that is most enthusiastic and most patient on the day will win."
Tomorrow's clash is being screened live on Sky - and Sharp is urging his players to put on a show.
"There's always an added spark when the cameras are there. Profile on television is something every player craves - there's nothing worse than letting yourselves down on tv.
"There's a lot in the game as well, we're only one point behind Sheffield. If we can get a victory, it's going to give us a nice little lift and put us in a decent position."
Tommy Haughey and Andy Kirk both missed the draw with Salford and Sharp will check the fitness of both before finalising his line-up. Haughey remains an outside chance but Kirk should be fit.
Paul Handforth, who has missed the last two games through suspension and holiday commitments, is available, although he appears unlikely to regain his slot in the starting line-up.
Said Sharp yesterday: "The team's not finalised yet but it will be extremely doubtful if we change the half-back pairing and (hooker) Joe McLocklan is playing the best he's played since being at Featherstone.
"Kirk's looking positive, Haughey is looking doubtful. There's also a late call on a couple of others who took knocks.
"For the past two weeks we've had to make really late changes. It meant we had to add two new players (Anthony Thackeray and Matt Dale) after only one practice on Sunday.
"New guys coming in have sparked the place up and put everyone on their toes. People are playing for places and even though we're winning, there's been changes made."
Thackeray and Dale made try-scoring debuts against Salford. Dale, who has made seven Super League appearances this season (five for Hull FC and two on loan for Wakefield), joined Rovers on loan until the end of the season late last week.
Meanwhile, in an end-of-season offer available from the club shop, any fan pre-buying tickets for the final two home games will get a home or away shirt for just £25 (limited sizes available). Total prize for the jersey and tickets is £53 (£39 concessions, £30 children).
Fans can take advantage of the offer at this evening's Reserve Team clash with Sheffield, when the £3 entry fee will also be knocked off.
The club's official supporters club has a few seats available for tomorrow's trip to Sheffield (leaving Post Office Road at 6.15pm). Ring 01924 822426 or 01924 829763 to book.
Latest winners in Rovers Treasure Chest Lottery are: C. Ogden (Q4429), J. Summers (W1547), T. Mahmood (N1579), R. Young (F5770), K. Smith (H2659). Junction meal voucher: A. Cable (V1121).
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