Preview: Featherstone v Halifax

Featherstone Rovers coach Daryl Powell hopes Tony Tonks and Tommy Saxton return ahead of Thursday’s televised Northern Rail Cup semi-final against Halifax.

Powell is keeping his fingers crossed that both Tonks and Saxton could return to the Rovers line up. Tonks (knee) has missed Featherstone’s last three games while Saxton (thumb) has been absent for a month.

But Matty Dale (broken hand) is unlikely to feature in a fixture that will evoke memories of last season’s remarkable Co-operative Championship Grand Final.

Featherstone led 22-4 that day, but eventually lost 23-22 after Halifax staged a spectacular comeback.

Rovers had last week off, but Powell insisted: “I don’t think it’s a problem not playing. I think it will be good for us and will freshen people up.”

Halifax coach Matt Calland has his own injury problems to manage, with captain Sean Penkywicz (toe) and Jon Goddard (ribs) expected to miss out.

Calland is aiming to continue a three-match winning streak when his side travel to the Bigfellas Stadium.