Duffy excited for Qualifiers kick-off

Featherstone coach John Duffy insists they will leave no stone unturned in their preparations for Saturday’s Qualifiers opener against Leigh.

Duffy, entering his second full week in the LD Nutrition Stadium hot seat, is anticipating a “fierce” start to the Rovers’ Super 8s campaign.

But the former Swinton boss, who guided the Lions to a memorable cup triumph over Huddersfield earlier this year, is confident his side has what it takes to deliver success this weekend.

He said: “This is a massive week for everyone involved in the club, it is an exciting one too.

“Leigh are a team that has mastered the Qualifiers in recent times and they will provide fierce opposition on Saturday.

“We will be preparing to overcome a huge task – one the players are very much looking forward to taking on.

“The lads are shaping up well, after a little time off with the Challenge Cup semi-finals, and are really fired up for the weekend. We have every reason to be confident.

“This team is capable of getting off to a great start in the Qualifiers. A victory on Saturday could prove a catalyst for something very special.

“Leigh are a full-time Super League side and have being operating at high-intensity levels all season.

“But they are beatable and we will do everything in our power to get what would be a terrific job done, this weekend.”

Back-rower John Davies (knee) will undergo a fitness test on Wednesday, as Chris Ulugia (shoulder) continues his rehabilitation in the hope of a return to action before the end of the 2017 season.