Strong start the key for Featherstone

Featherstone forward Sam Brooks has already scored a try against Leigh this season – and will be hoping to do so again on Saturday.

Brooks, 23, moved the LD Nutrition Stadium last month from Widnes, and he scored when the Vikings beat Leigh at Leigh Sports Village earlier in the Super League season.

Leigh are Featherstone’s first opponents in The Qualifiers, and Brooks knows his side must make a strong start.

He told the club’s official website: “It is crucial we get off to a good start in the Super 8s but Leigh won’t give an inch, they are a top team,” said Brooks, who is sponsored by Nutrition X.

“Leigh will come here and try to dominate in every department, particularly down the middle. They have a massive pack and some big-name players in their ranks.

“We will have to be right at the top of our game. It is about being physical and aggressive, yet smart from the outset, if we want to get anything from Saturday.

“The pressure is not on us. Leigh are favourites and are fighting to keep their place in Super League. No-one is expecting us to win, which allows us to focus on the way we want to play.

“We need to match Leigh in terms of intensity and not give them a sniff. If we play to our potential, it certainly will not be one-way traffic.

“This is a big occasion for the club and we all want to live up to it. We have prepared well and will give everything on Saturday.”