Featherstone Rovers: No panic at Rovers as Sharp delivers contingency plan

An injury crisis at Leeds means Rovers will travel to Whitehaven tomorrow without Ash Handley and Mitch Achurch, who have played in both their Kingstone Press Championship games so far.

“We have recruited without the Leeds players in mind,” Sharp said. “The squad is strong enough to handle fixtures if Leeds players aren’t available.”

A third dual-registration player, Jordan Baldwinson, is set to retain his place and Jamie Cording is in contention after recovering from a shoulder injury.

Injuries are mounting meanwhile for Batley Bulldogs, who are at home to Sheffield Eagles on Sunday.

Shaun Squires is facing a long lay-off due to a knee injury and coach John Kear said: “We’ve also got Sean Hesketh and Sam Scott out long-term and James Davey and Brad Day short to medium-term.

“That’s five out of our squad of 26, but the positive is the ones who are playing are in good form.”

Meanwhile, Hunslet Hawks coach Matt Bramald has almost a full squad available for Sunday’s iPro Sport Cup tie at home to York City Knights.

Ayden Faal and Brooke Broughton are long-term casualties, but Danny Ansell, Jake Normington and Liam Mackay have recovered from knocks and are in contention.