Featherstone Rovers state their case as Super League prepares to vote

FEATHERSTONE Rovers are, perhaps unfairly, looking like the least likely to win the bid to be Super League’s 12th club in 2021.
Wakefield's Craig Kopczak: Joining Featherstone. Picture: PAWakefield's Craig Kopczak: Joining Featherstone. Picture: PA
Wakefield's Craig Kopczak: Joining Featherstone. Picture: PA

It is unfair because plenty of the reasons why so few people expect them to get the nod should not matter in the slightest.

For instance, is it Featherstone’s fault that they sit barely four miles from an already established Super League club, Castleford, and just seven from another in Wakefield Trinity?

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Similarly, the fact that it is such a comparatively small town – a population of around 15,000 – is often held against them but they have a far wider reach to tap into when you consider the size of nearby towns such as Pontefract.

As they go up against York City Knights, London Broncos, Toulouse Olympique, Bradford Bulls and Leigh Centurions for that coveted spot – the final decision of a seven-strong panel is expected around noon today – there is no denying the West Yorkshire club has plenty of merit in its application to replace Toronto Wolfpack.

Their stadium at Post Office Road, for example, has gradually been developed into a modern and attractive 10,000-capacity ground.

James Webster, the Australian coach who took over at the end of last year, told The Yorkshire Post: “Featherstone’s improved their ground to probably be the best in this West Yorkshire area other than Leeds Rhinos.

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“The club’s been able to produce players from the local game over the years and their performances within the Championship over the last 10 years match any other team in there or around us.

Post Office Road: Atmosphere. Picture: SWPixPost Office Road: Atmosphere. Picture: SWPix
Post Office Road: Atmosphere. Picture: SWPix

“From 2009 right through to the current period, Fev have always been there or thereabouts.

“Add to that a strong history in the game and we do have plenty of positives going for us.”

Under Daryl Powell, Featherstone won the Championship League Leaders’ Shield three years running from 2010 to 2012, reaching the Grand Final on each occasion and claiming the title in 2011 when they also knocked Castleford out of the Challenge Cup on a memorable afternoon at Post Office Road.

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They were regular operators in the now-defunct Qualifiers and, of course, reached the Million Pound Game last year when – despite their part-time status – they pushed Toronto close in Canada.

Webster hopes that might hold some sway.

“You’d hope so,” said the former Hull KR chief, who – with the Championship out of action since March – spent this last year assisting his former Wakefield head coach Richard Agar at Rhinos.

“I’ve obviously read the application criteria and there’s no indication of how each is weighted – no-one has been able to get that type of information.

“How much the people on the panel give that credit I’m not sure.

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“But Featherstone did a fantastic job, beaten and not by much by a team that essentially spent Super League money .

“You’d say on performance last year – and I know London will say something similar as they did fantastic in Super League as they came down – we have a strong case.”

Moreover, Featherstone fans have not forgotten how unlucky they were to not be included when Super League originated.

In the final winter season of 1994-95, Rovers came 11th in the 16-team old First Division but were still relegated essentially to make way for London Broncos and Paris St Germain.

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Featherstone, who have been champions just once before in 1977, mark their centenary next year and could see no finer way to celebrate than being reinstated into the elite.

They have won the Challenge Cup on three occasions in that time, most famously with their shock victory against Hull in 1983.

Webster added: “You could say their exclusion from Super League was unlucky to start with; they weren’t technically relegated.

“They were demoted through what you would call a franchise system. I would love to see some of the derbies back. Some people use Feathertsone’s location as a minus.

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“But I’ve seen the crowds at Featherstone when the two Hull clubs turn up and add to that obviously the tradition and spiciness with Castleford and – not so much – Wakefield, you are going to get some fantastic atmospheres and events which is what people want. They want to go to big events and somewhere new.

“When I was at Hull KR and we travelled to Featherstone, that ground was full.

“Featherstone is the heart and soul of what rugby league is about; people who are prepared to back their team and the community. Yes, we’re not a city – we don’t have cathedrals and shopping centres and the like – but it’s what makes rugby league tick.

“Sometimes I think away supporters would really relish the chance to go experience the chance of what it’s like to go back to a well-established, old school rugby league community.”

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On the field, Rovers have recruited the likes of former Wales captain Craig Kopczak from Wakefield, experienced Salford Red Devils centre Kris Welham and Samoa stand-off Nu Brown from the NRL for 2021 allied to some talented youngsters.

Webster admitted: “We’d have to recruit some more players just like every other club that goes up but we’ll deal with that once the decision is made.”

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