Featherstone Rovers: Coach Sharp hails influence of Ellis

Ellis produced a man-of-the-match performance for Rovers in their 21-20 Kingstone Press Championship win over Dewsbury Rams two days ago, despite not coming off the bench until the 30th minute.

The former Wakefield Trinity Wildcats man left Rovers at the end of last season due to a change in his career away from rugby, but returned last week.

“He was absolutely great,” Sharp said.

“He has kept himself in good nick and he carried on from where he left off.”

Rovers got through with no major new injury concerns and Sharp added: “It was a really good win and a cracking game.

“I was disappointed with the first 20 minutes, going 14-0 down. That was not good enough, but the bench came on and gave the team a lift and we continued that after half-time.

“We showed a really good attitude, toughness and composure to deal with the situation and I was really pleased with that.”

Rovers, who visit Swinton Lions on Sunday, are seventh in the table, but have a game in hand on most of their rivals after last month’s scheduled trip to Whitehaven was postponed.