Toulouse Olympique is biggest test yet for Featherstone Rovers, says Sharp

Rovers are second in the Kingstone Press Championship, two points clear of the third-placed French side.

Toulouse boss Sylvain Houles rested some of his top players for last week’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup tie against Batley Bulldogs – which they lost 34-16 – to keep them fresh for tomorrow.

And Sharp insisted: “The importance of it can’t be under-estimated.

“It is really big for us.

“It is an opportunity to give us a bit of breathing space.

“It is important we perform and continue to play the way we have played this year, apart from the odd blip.”

Rovers lost their previous home game, to Rochdale Hornets and Sharp said it’s crucial they get back to winning ways in front of their own fans.

“We’ve only played twice at home and four away,” Sharp pointed out.

“Last year we won nine out of 11 at home so it’s important we do well here. The pitch is drying out nicely now and hopefully as it does it will give us a good track to play on.

“That’s important for us because we like to play football and throw plenty at the opposition.”

Toulouse’s home form is better than their record on the road, but Sharp warned: “From what I have seen on tape they are a really good footballing team.

“They have two really good halves who cause you a lot of problems and they are a team playing with confidence. They can certainly attack and ask you questions and they are very aggressive in defence as well so it is a big challenge for us.”