Published Date:
24 July 2010
FEATHERSTONE Rovers have been given a double boost with news that forwards Matty Dale and Tony Tonks have agreed new contracts.
They have both been key players for Co-operative Championship leaders Featherstone this season and their decision to stay at the Bigfellas Stadium has been hailed by coach Daryl Powell as "great news" for the club.
"They are two more quality players we have retained and we are not too far away from finalising our squad," he said.
"I think we have created a culture at the club that makes people want to stay and develop their games and drive what is a great club forward.
"We are really proud to be part of what we are doing at Featherstone at the moment and we are determined we will continue the standards we have set for ourselves."
Rovers have a commanding 10-point lead and will be guaranteed top spot in the table if they win two of their last four league matches against Whitehaven (away), Sheffield (home), Batley (away) and Barrow (home).
But two victories will not be enough to satisfy Powell who wants his team to win all their remaining games.
"My idea is we win the next two and then we continue to win games. I don't see any other way of going about it," he said.
"There's no taking our foot off the gas - there's plenty of rest periods around towards the back end of the season, there's no question about that. We've got our blank week to come before we play Barrow.
"We are in a good position at the moment and we need to retain that so will not be looking for our standards to slip in any way.
"The way the competition is set up you've got to win the Grand Final to win anything and that's what we've got to do. Whether people disagree with it or not, that's what is in place and we've just got to make sure we are consistent and feel confident going into the play offs and then we get the job done there.
"The players know that. They are a good group and they can see what's in front of them and can see what the likelihood is and we've got to make sure the likelihood becomes a reality.
"If we get the performances right, at the end of the day we'll get what we deserve. I'm confident we are going to be a difficult team to beat for the rest of the year and I don't see players dropping off the perch. I think they are ready to retain the high standards we have set for ourselves."
Powell expects Sam Smeaton to be fit for Sunday's game at Whitehaven after the centre twisted an ankle playing in last weekend's Northern Rail 9s at Fylde, Blackpool.
Winger Tommy Saxton is making good progress after sustaining a nasty-looking ankle injury in last month's game against Widnes.
Said Powell: "I am pretty confident Sam will be okay for Sunday. Tommy has been improving consistently over the last week or so. It's unlikely he'll play this weekend but I think he will probably play against Sheffield or Batley."
Jamie Field will also come into contention this weekend after missing Featherstone's last game against Leigh Centurions because of an injured finger.
Field is retiring from playing at the end of the season and Powell hopes the veteran forward will stay at the club in an off-field role.
Powell said: "I spoke to Jamie on Tuesday and we'll see where that takes us. I am hoping he will be involved with us next year. He's a top quality guy who knows the game inside out and he's highly respected by the players which is always a significant part.
"He has real skill in his ability to work as a conditioner and he's had has his own business for number of years now."
Rovers will be strong favourites to beat Sunday's opponents Whitehaven who have won just two of their 16 league games this season but Powell will not be taking anything for granted.
He said: "If you look back a number of weeks, Leigh were very, very lucky to win at Whitehaven.
"If you go into a game and you are not quite where you need to be then you give your opponents every reason to give you a tough day at the office."
Latest £500 Rovers lottery winners are I Farmer (V6748), M Ambler (B2643), S Robinson (J2278), P Fletcher (A1975), D Nicholls (V1182). junction meal voucher: F Mortimer (V0835).
l See page 59 for more news from Featherstone Rovers.
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Last Updated:
24 July 2010 7:51 AM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Pontefract & Castleford