Rovers host Sheffield Eagles (3pm) in the Northern Rail Cup in the first competitive game for both teams after their opening matches were postponed last weekend.
Featherstone won two of their three games against Sheffield last season including an incident-packed play-off clash at the Don Valley Stadium in September that saw two players sent off and four others sin-binned in an explosive first-half.
"It's a big game for us and we need to start well. We are aware of that," said Powell.
"We had some high quality games against Sheffield last season. Obviously, there was a bit of controversy when we came out on top at the Don Valley Stadium so there is no doubt there is potential for a bit of spice in Sunday's game.
"Sheffield will be fired up and we will be looking to play particularly well against them. You know your intensity levels have got to be really high right from the start.
"It's going to be a challenging and I'm sure Mark Aston will have Sheffield ready to go so we have to be suitably prepared.
"It is important we get off on the right foot at home against a really good team.
"If we are going to do well this year, we've got to be good both home and away. We have the group of people at the club we need to do the job this year."
Only three of the scheduled 10 Northern Rail Cup matches were played last weekend because of bad weather.
Featherstone's game at Hunslet and Sheffield's match against Halifax were among the casualties.
Said Powell: "The weather is looking a bit warmer for Sunday so we should be able to get the game on. We are looking forward to playing some consistent rugby league which has been pretty difficult so far.
"Looking at the weather forecast it will be reasonably heavy conditions so we need to make sure we get our game right.
"Sheffield are tough and work hard so we've got to able to do that and have a little bit more as well. Sheffield have a pretty big pack so it will be interesting. It will be a tight, tough game.
"We are confident as a group we have prepared well over the pre-season.
"We worked hard in training on Monday and we will be pretty light now until the weekend. I am hoping the players will be pretty fresh and raring to go."
Liam Finn and Tony Tonks will both be available this weekend after recovering from injuries.
Powell will be checking on Papua New Guinea international Jessie Joe Parker who sustained an ankle injury in last month's pre-season game against Hull Kingston Rovers.
Said Powell: "Jessie Joe trained on Monday night so we will see whether he has come through unscathed but I expect him to be available.
"There won't be too many team changes but there may be one or two depending on how I see things with the Sheffield game. Obviously, it is slightly different to the one we had against Hunslet and I'll select accordingly."
Former Sheffield player Powell is looking forward to facing his old club..
He said: "When you are at a club for 10 or 11 years like I was at Sheffield you retain affection for them.
"It's always a good to come up against them. I know Mark Aston pretty well and I think he's done an excellent job there.
"They are a good club who have the right work ethic. Last year they were really tough to beat and they have been able to build that up over a number of years.
"I am really pleased Sheffield got away from Huddersfield and retained its autonomy as a club."
Featherstone host Wakefield Wildcats in a friendly at Bigfellas Stadium next Wednesday (7.30pm).
The bulk of the Rovers team will be young players.