Featherstone to unveil major signing

Championship holders Featherstone are set to unveil a “major” signing at their pre-season friendly against Hunslet on Sunday.

Daryl Powell is expected to name a strong side for the New Year’s Day clash, with new signings Danny Grimshaw, Nathan Freer and James Lockwood set to make their first appearances for Rovers.

Fellow new signing, Tangi Ropati, will also be introduced to fans at half time, having obtained his work visa.

Powell said: We’ll be taking it pretty seriously, there’s no doubt about that.

“Even though these games are early, they are an important part of individual preparation. We want to play well. Obviously, in terms of our preparation, we won’t be 100% but we expect our attitude to be pretty good and we are looking to defend well.”

Samoan international Ropati spent 2011 at Widnes, where he failed to earn a Super League contract. He has previously played at Championship level for Sheffield, having been spotted by Mark Aston playing at the 2008 World Cup.

Powell added: “We are delighted that Ropati has been granted a work visa and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the club on Sunday. With our new major signing being unveiled too at half time, it would be fantastic if there was a healthy crowd to give them both a warm welcome to kick off the New Year.”