Featherstone Rovers: Rovers pay hefty injury price for capital cup victory

FEATHERSTONE ROVERS have paid a price for their stunning Ladbrokes Challenge Cup win at London Broncos.
Jon SharpJon Sharp
Jon Sharp

Rovers, who hit back from 14-0 down to progress 48-26, lost Michael Channing and Anthony Thackeray to long-term injuries.

“Channing has got a grade two hamstring tear and he’ll be out for six to eight weeks,” coach Jon Sharp reported.

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“He pulled up tight in the warm-up before we played Swinton so he withdrew from that, then 22 minutes in on Saturday he pulled it completely.

“Thackeray has a nasty facial injury and he’ll be out for six to eight weeks as well, though that is not as bad as we thought at the ground.

“The doctor there thought he had broken his jaw and would need an operation.

“He won’t be out as long as that, but we do seem to be picking up serious injuries.”

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The loss of two key players made it an even better win, according to Sharp. He said: “You wouldn’t expect to have to replace a centre and a half-back in a game. Credit to the boys who had to change their position and do something they were not used to. They handled it really well and we came away with a great victory.”

Rovers are at home to Sheffield Eagles in the Kingstone Press Championship on Friday and return to London three days later.