Kingstone Press Championship Preview: Hunslet Hawks v Featherstone Rovers

Despite the Hunslet Hawks’ defeat to London Broncos, coach Barry Eaton found plenty of positives in the performance.

“We were outstanding in long spells,” he said.

“We had a try ruled out in the first half but if we had gone in at half-time in front, the second half might have been more of a challenge for London.

“But it wasn’t to be and their superior full-time fitness and physicality probably took over in the last 20 minutes, but it was another commendable effort from the boys.

“We’ve had two really promising performances against top sides over the last two weeks so we’re hoping to keep that going this week against Featherstone.

“We’re building a little bit of form and that’s all we can ask for against these top sides. Nobody’s given us any real chance of toppling them, so we know we’re going to be going in as underdogs this week.

“We have put in commendable performances against Halifax and London so we hope to do the same and who knows, a result might come our way.”

Forward Callum Casey will be having a head test as a result of receiving a head injury in last week’s game

Featherstone Rovers beat Doncaster 54-14 last week. Coach Andy Hay said: “I was happy with the win but thought we could have played a little bit better and been a bit more clinical. But it’s all about winning now and points, so I’m pleased with the win.

“It promises to be another tough game at Hunslet. They’re at home and it’s a tight pitch and so we’re expecting a tough encounter. They’ve got a couple of ex-Fev players in there to spice it up, I think it will be a good battle for us.”

Prop Andy Bostock is likely to be out for at least six weeks with a broken arm.