NRC Preview: Featherstone v Rochdale

Jessie Joe Parker and Larsen Marabe could break into Daryl Powell’s first team this week after impressing in the reserves.

Powell’s side lost 36-6 at Leigh last week, a result the former Leeds coach described as “really disappointing”.

He added: “Leigh were very good and we had to be good as well, but we were poor from the first minute. We gave too many penalties away and put ourselves under pressure.

“We’ve got to fix it up, whether it’s through personnel or changing a couple of things that we’re doing.

“We’ve got to have a good look at ourselves and come back stronger. We’ve got get it right (against Rochdale).”

Andy Saywell (groin), Bolu Fagborun (ankle), Dale Bloomfield (calf) and Adam Bowman (head) are among Rochdale’s mounting number of injured players.

Hornets coach John Stankevitch said: “If history proves correct, then going to Featherstone is going to be a tough day.

“Iain Morrison is one of the outstanding players in the Co-operative Championship and if their team plays anything like the attitude he’s got then we’re in for a tough day.

“We need to make sure that we’re making small improvements week after week.

“These Northern Rail Cup games will be massively beneficial for us, even if we lose all four. It will give us a tougher mental approach.”