OPPOSITION GUIDE | FEATHERSTONE ROVERS

AHEAD of this weekend's mouthwatering clash against Featherstone Rovers - we take an in-depth look at last year's play-off finalists...

FORMBOOK 

Sunday’s opponents Featherstone Rovers go into the clash on the back of an opening-round victory over Batley Bulldogs.

Dane Chisholm scored a brace in the 38-18 win, while Greg Worthington, Josh Hardcastle, James Harrison and Luke Briscoe also touched down.

The Rovers enter the 2020 campaign on the back of an impressive 2019, where they went within 40 minutes of booking a Super League berth in the play-off final against Toronto Wolfpack. 

THE CAPTAIN 

Rovers’ captain James Lockwood is entering his ninth year at the club, having joined from Dewsbury Rams in 2012.

The Wakefield-born player has made 130 appearances to date for ‘The Colliers’, and previously enjoyed a three-year spell at the Tetley’s Stadium as a Ram.

THE BOILER ROOM

The Featherstone forward pack boasts experience in the likes of Dale Ferguson, Brett Ferres, Lockwood and Brad Day.

Luke Cooper and Wellington Albert are also powerful options for James Webster in 2020, alongside new recruit Dean Parata, who offers a useful option at hooker.

Alec Susino is also a fresh face in the Featherstone ranks, having joined from Barrow Raiders – with Jack Bussey a utility option who can also play in the halves. 

THE BACKS

Craig Hall and Thomas Minns are two former Super League players in Webster’s backline, both having joined from Hull Kingston Rovers.

Greg Worthington, who features in the three-quarters, is on loan from Canadian outfit Toronto Wolfpack – with the side being led around the pack by Louis Jouffret and Dane Chisholm, although the latter is suspended this week.

Rovers’ could be boosted by the arrival of dual-registration stars from Leeds Rhinos this weekend – the likes of Luke Briscoe and Callum McLelland have regularly featured for Featherstone. 

THE COACH

Australian-born James Webster enjoyed a playing career that span 11 years having played for Paramatta Eels, Hull KR, Hull FC and Widnes Vikings.

Webster then took on the coaching reins at Wakefield Trinity where he enjoyed a brief two-year spell.

James was in charge when Hull KR lost out in the Million Pound Game to Salford in 2017 before being replaced by Tim Sheens – Webster taking on the role as Assistant Coach prior to taking to the helm at Featherstone ahead of the 2020 campaign.

CONNECTIONS

Featherstone’s 2020 roster features no fewer than three ex-Bulls in the form of Dale Ferguson, Brett Ferres and Dane Chisholm.

Ferguson enjoyed three years in the red, amber and black between 2014-2016 – while Ferres broke through the Academy set-up at Bradford, making an appearance in the 30-10 World Club Challenge triumph in 2006.

Chisholm made 43 appearances across two spells for Bradford before joining the Rovers midway through the 2019 campaign.

PAST MEETINGS 

The two sides have been embroiled in some thrilling clashes over the year, none more so than last year’s Coral Challenge Cup fifth round clash at Odsal Stadium.

That 27-26 win for Bradford – which involved an eighteen-point comeback inside eight minutes and an extra-time drop goal – followed a dramatic opening-day 17-16 win, also sealed by a drop goal!

Rovers, then coached by Ryan Carr, got their own back at the LD Nutrition Stadium in May however, beating a severly-depleted Bradford outfit. 

CLICK HERE to book your ticket for the clash - alternatively, call us on 0333 323 5075 or visit the Team Shop.

CLICK HERE to book Coach Travel at a cost of JUST £6 - or visit/call us.

CLICK HERE to book Car Parking - or visit/call us.

Bradford Bulls Team Shop Opening Hours

Monday to Friday (10:00-17:00)

Saturday (10:00-14:00)

Sunday (CLOSED)