Bradford 18-32 Featherstone: Ryley Jacks scores hat-trick as Rovers return to top of Championship

Ryley Jacks scored a second half hat-trick to restore Featherstone’s spot at the top of the Championship following a 32-18 victory over Bradford at Odsal. 

It was Bradford’s first fixture since releasing a statement on social media regarding their current form. John Kear’s side sat ninth heading into the clash, with four wins from eight. 

For Featherstone, Jesse Sene-Lefao returned from his long-term injury. Ben Mathiou was named to make his debut from the bench. 

Bradford opened the scoring on seven minutes through Elliot Hall. Winger Matty Dawson-Jones kept the ball alive close to touch, and the full-back managed to force his way over. Dec Patton adding the two for an early 6-0 lead. 

Ben Hellewell hit back for Rovers on 16 minutes, with Craig Hall providing the assist. Hall converting for a 6-6 score. Playing at centre, Hellewell crossed for his second on 24 minutes to give his side their first lead of the evening. 

HT: Bradford 6-12 Featherstone

The Bulls hit back in the second half through David Foggin-Johnson on 45 minutes. The winger capitalised on an error from Rovers to score in the corner. Patton converted for a 12-all score. 

Featherstone restored their lead just six minutes later through full-back Mark Kheirallah. 

Half-back Ryley Jacks scored his first for Featherstone to extend the lead just before the hour mark, before crossing for a brace just six minutes later thanks to an offload from Jack Bussey.

Bradford had limited chances in the second half, but AJ Wallace hit back on 71 minutes for a 28-18 score to give hope of a possible comeback.

However, Jacks completed his hat-trick on 75 minutes, chasing down a kick to ground the ball and secure the two league points to return to the top of the table.

Next up on Premier Sports, Barrow Raiders host York City Knights on Monday, May 2.

FT: Bradford 18-32 Featherstone

Bradford: Hall, Dawson-Jones, Kear, Gill, Foggin-Johnston, Patton, Lilley, Baldwinson, Doyle, Crossley, Muprhy, England, Hallas.

Bench: Wallace, Evans, Kibula, Walters.

Tries: Hall, Foggin-Johnston, Wallace

Goals: Patton 2/2

Featherstone: Kheirallah, Briscoe, Hall, Hellewell, Gale, Smith, Jacks, Kopczak, Wildie, Lockwood, Bussey, Davies, Moors.

Bench: Pickersbill, Cooper, Sene-Lefao, Mathiou. 

Tries: Hellewell (2), Kheirallah, Jacks (3)

Goals: Hall 4/6

READ MORE: Brian McDermott confirms Featherstone’s interest in Zak Hardaker

PLAY: Our free Fantasy Rugby League competition is back for 2022