Preview: Featherstone v Leigh

Andy Bostock returns from suspension to boost Daryl Powell’s options when Featherstone Rovers host Leigh Centurions in Thursday’s televised Co-operative Championship clash.

However, Stuart Dickens serves the second game of his two-match ban and Tim Spears begins his own two-match absence.

Rovers are aiming to back up last week’s victory at Keighley with a first home win in this year’s Co-operative Championship.

Powell said: “We weren’t great with the ball, but we were good enough to score four tries and that was enough to win the game.”

Dual-registration pair Matt Russell and Tom Spencer return to Paul Rowley’s Leigh squad, while Stuart Littler is back after completing a one-match suspension.

Rowley said: “We’re looking strong. Our only injury is Tommy Goulden, so we’re in a pretty healthy position.”

Centurions lost 24-18 against Batley Bulldogs in their opening Co-operative Championship fixture, but Rowley was encouraged by large aspects of that performance.

He said: “Both sides were fantastic. The completion rates were in the high 80s and early 90s, there were four tries each and it was a tough encounter.

“We’re not a million miles off. We need to remember what we’ve been through, but we do set our standards high. They’ll need to be high again this week.

“Featherstone have been the form team for the last three or four years. It’s been a long time since we’ve been there and come up with a victory, but we see this as an opportunity.

“We can’t wait to go there and test ourselves against the best team in the league.”