Featherstone Rovers 42 Halifax Panthers 10: Craig Kopczak eyes Super League return

Former Wales prop Craig Kopczak helped power Featherstone Rovers to a 42-10 victory over Halifax Panthers in the Championship play-offs. Picture: dec Hayes

AS someone who has captained his country at Wembley, finished top of Super League and played for Bradford Bulls when they were World Club Challenge champions, Craig Kopczak has seen plenty in rugby league.

However, the chance to help Featherstone Rovers finally win promotion to the elite when they face Championship leaders Toulouse Olympique XIII at Stade Ernest Wallon on Sunday will rival any of what has come before.

Two years on from losing at Toronto Wolfpack in the Million Pound Game, the West Yorkshire club must travel overseas once more to achieve their long-held ambition but, regardless, they have their shot at glory again.

Former Wales prop Kopczak was among the try-scorers as Featherstone – who finished second behind Toulouse – swept past Halifax in Saturday’s semi-final at a rain-drenched Post Office Road. Unbeaten Toulouse vanquished Batley Bulldogs 51-12 and are slight favourites to seal their own place in Super League.

They have home advantage, boast a plethora of stars such as Remi Casty, Dominique Peyroux and Mitch Garbutt and are the only side to defeat Featherstone in the Championship this term.

But Kopczak believes Rovers – who he joined from Wakefield Trinity over the winter to add yet more quality to James Webster’s stellar side – are ready to complete the job.

“It will top the season off,” he told The Yorkshire Post. “We spoke about it way back in pre-season; this was the main aim – to get to the final. We’re there now. And just 80 minutes away from the big prize. In terms of intensity, it (Halifax game) had that semi-final feel, with the rain and everything. It will be different over there in Toulouse but that warmer, drier weather suits us; we like to play expansive football and the boys are ready.