Featherstone Rovers 'disappointed' by Super League snub - but congratulate promoted Leigh Centurions
Featherstone Rovers insist they are in a strong position, on and off the field, despite being denied a place in Betfred Super League next year.
Rovers were among six clubs who applied to replace Toronto Wolfpack in the top-flight for 2021.
Leigh Centurions - relegated at the end of the 2017 season - were the “unanimous” choice of a seven-person selection panel which was chaired by Lord Jonathan Caine.
In a club statement, Rovers admitted they were “disappointed”, but congratulated Leigh and wished them “all the best” for next season.
The statement said: “Everyone associated with Featherstone Rovers is extremely disappointed that the door to promotion has been closed yet again.
“The RFL and Lord Caine have offered feedback on all applicants’ applications, which the club plans to request.
“Rovers officials put together a strong application in the restricted time scale and would like to thank Home Agency and non-executive director Steven Clough for their hard work and support in putting together a competitive bid.
“The application process allowed everyone at Featherstone to look at the club from an holistic point of view and it was clearly demonstrated that the club is in a strong position both on and off the field.
“Therefore, although the club is disappointed with the decision, we accept it and are looking forward to a competitive and exciting 2021 Betfred Championship competition during our centenary season and [to] prove our points on the field.”
Rovers chief executive Davide Longo added: “We worked hard over two weeks preparing and putting in place a thoroughly detailed and robust application.
“Our aim was to demonstrate not only the team’s consistent achievements over the past decade, but also the off field developments made at the club in recent years.
“We are naturally disappointed at the decision, but after a stressful month all our concentrations can now be on the Betfred Championship in 2021 and we believe we have one of the strongest squads the club has fielded in the past 10 years.”
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