Championship preview: Featherstone v Halifax (Sun 3.00pm)

Matt James is Featherstone Rovers’ only injury concern ahead of Sunday’s Kingstone Press Championship showdown with Halifax.

Rovers are aiming to bounce back after a shock defeat to Dewsbury Rams last week. Featherstone coach John Bastian said: “We need to be a little bit smarter, and we’ve discussed that as a group.

“We defended really well throughout the game, but with the ball we missed too many opportunities, particularly in the first half. Some decision-making on the last pass cost us some points.”

On Halifax, Bastian added: “They’re a side that are going to threaten teams this year.

“They’ve a very physical pack and good halves that will be expansive when they get the opportunity.”

Halifax coach Karl Harrison is expecting a tough battle in the forwards, and has urged his team to improve from their opening day 28-18 victory over Swinton Lions.

Harrison said: “We were scratchy, but three points is three points.

“We need to be better than what we were in terms of finishing our chances, but I’d be more concerned if we weren’t creating the chances.

“We’re not where we need to be at the moment, but we still won the game and that’s what it’s about.”

He added: “Sunday is going to be another dog-fight. It’s bashathon-season with the grounds being so heavy and slow. We’ll pick the correct team and hopefully take our opportunities when we get them.”