Featherstone Rovers suffer injury blow in Challenge Cup win over Bradford Bulls

An injury blow has struck Featherstone Rovers just one game into the season.
By Peter Smith
Published 22nd Mar 2021, 16:45 BST
Some Rovers fans scaled a fence outside the ground to gain an unauthorised view of the Cup tie against Bradford. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.Some Rovers fans scaled a fence outside the ground to gain an unauthorised view of the Cup tie against Bradford. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.
Some Rovers fans scaled a fence outside the ground to gain an unauthorised view of the Cup tie against Bradford. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

Former Super League forward Dale Ferguson is set to miss this weekend’s Betfred Challenge Cup second round and Rovers’ Championship opener on Good Friday - both at home to Batley Bulldogs - after picking up a hamstring problem.

Ferguson was hurt during Rovers’ 41-16 Cup win over Bradford Bulls two days ago, which was their first competitive game for more than a year.

Match report

Rovers taken on Bulls in the Challenge Cup first round. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.Rovers taken on Bulls in the Challenge Cup first round. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.
Rovers taken on Bulls in the Challenge Cup first round. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.
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“It is a shame for him because he has battled back continuously and looked pretty good in the trial game and also [against Bradford],” Webster said of the former Wakefield Trinity pack man, who also played in the top-flight for Huddersfield Giants and Hull KR.

“I would say he will be [out for] a lengthy period.”

Half-back Dane Chisholm was substituted in the second half, but Webster stressed that was a precaution.

“Dane struggled with his calf muscles in the off-season,” he said.

“He was tightening up towards the end of the game and that’s why we got him off.

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“I wouldn’t expect him to be unavailable [this weekend].”

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Webster believes Rovers have made an astute signing in second-rower Frankie Halton, an Ireland international, who made his debut against Bulls.

Halton played for England Lions under-23 during his time in the amateur game with Leigh Miners Rangers, before joining Swinton Lions ahead of the 2019 campaign.

He is beginning a two-year contract at Rovers and Webster reckons he could develop into a real force in the Championship.

“He is a great athlete,” Webster said.

“He has got a lot to work on in his game, he hasn’t been in the pro’ system very long.

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“Last year was probably his first real taste of professional football, at Swinton.

“He has got some areas he understands he needs to work on, but he definitely doesn’t have to work on the physical aspect of the game.

“He is fit and strong and I am really excited by Frankie because I think he has a lot of growth left in him.”

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Related topics:Featherstone RoversBradford BullsBatley BulldogsSuper League

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