Doncaster 16 Featherstone Rovers 26: Dissatisfied Duffy: 'We were our own worst enemy'

FEATHERSTONE ROVERS survived a Ladbrokes Challenge Cup fifth-round scare at Doncaster, but boss John Duffy admitted they were their 'own worst enemy'.
Disgruntled Featherstone coach, John Duffy. PIC: Tony JohnsonDisgruntled Featherstone coach, John Duffy. PIC: Tony Johnson
Disgruntled Featherstone coach, John Duffy. PIC: Tony Johnson

Rovers stormed into a 10-0 lead after as many minutes, but found themselves six points adrift late in the third quarter before regaining control.

They eventually won 26-16 to book a place in Wednesday morning’s sixth-round draw, but Duffy was far from impressed with his team’s performance.

“It wasn’t a good one,” Duffy conceded.

On the move, Featherstone forward, Frankie Mariano. PIC: Jonathan GawthorpeOn the move, Featherstone forward, Frankie Mariano. PIC: Jonathan Gawthorpe
On the move, Featherstone forward, Frankie Mariano. PIC: Jonathan Gawthorpe
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“It wasn’t what we expect as a club and it’s something we need to look at.”

After their good start, Rovers began making errors with the ball and falling off tackles.

Duffy, who signed a new contract three days before the game, said: “We spoke about our attitude and all week we spoke about Doncaster being a fantastic team.

“They would fit in well in the Championship, they are coached really well by Richard [Horne] and we knew what they’d throw at us.

On the move, Featherstone forward, Frankie Mariano. PIC: Jonathan GawthorpeOn the move, Featherstone forward, Frankie Mariano. PIC: Jonathan Gawthorpe
On the move, Featherstone forward, Frankie Mariano. PIC: Jonathan Gawthorpe
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“But we were our own worst enemy with silly errors, back-to-back errors as well. But credit where it’s due, I thought Doncaster gave it everything and made us work really hard for everything we got.

“We knew they would, but we didn’t cope with it very well. We have got a lot to work on.”

Rovers have been drawn away from home – though their tie with North Wales Crusaders was switched to LD Nutrition Stadium, Post Office Road – for both of their two Cup matches.

Duffy admitted a Cup run was one of their pre-season targets, and he said: “We will have to get better.

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“We are looking forward to the draw and hopefully we can get a home tie and kick on.

“Most of the Super League clubs come in for the next round so it’s exciting.”

Meanwhile, Rovers have released former Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers forward Frankie Mariano.

He has not played since last month and Duffy said he has been allowed to move on to seek regular rugby.