CH preview: Featherstone v Batley (Sun)

Featherstone Rovers team manager Sean Long is aiming to maintain the club’s unbeaten record against Batley Bulldogs in 2013 when they clash for a third time this year on Sunday afternoon.

Rovers won 18-12 at home in July, backing up a 16-12 victory at Mount Pleasant in May.

Now Long is determined to complete the treble, with a place in the Kingstone Press Championship Grand Final at stake.

Vince Mellars (knee) hopes to return after missing Rovers play-off win over Leigh, while Andy Kain is also expected to feature despite carrying a knock into the Centurions match.

Bulldogs coach John Kear, who is without Johnny Campbell (suspended), insists Batley will be ready despite a grueling golden-point win over Leigh last week.

Kear said: “We’re feeling confident and good about ourselves. We’re playing some good rugby at the moment. We’ll be right, don’t worry.”

He added: “It’s great for the club. I feel really chuffed for all the directors and fans. We’ve just got to dust ourselves down and have a dig.”