Sharp ready for “bruising” cup clash

Jon Sharp is gearing his Featherstone Rovers team for a bruising fifth-round Ladbrokes Challenge Cup battle with Oldham after two solid performances over Easter.

Sharp’s men pushed league-leading Hull Kingston Rovers close on Good Friday, before punishing relegation-threatened Bradford Bulls on Easter Monday.

The Rovers’ Easter efforts have seen them maintain a two-point cushion over fourth-placed London Broncos, while remaining joint level on points with second-placed Toulouse Olympique.

“It has been a happy Easter for us in all honesty and we are pleased with the results,” said Sharp.

“It feels like two wins for us really, given the way we went against Hull KR, and we are well placed going into the second half of the regular season.

“We have not given up on chasing down KR – and Toulouse are level with us in second spot, meaning it is all still to play for over the next six to eight weeks.

“Our focus switches back to the Challenge Cup this week and we are anticipated a bruising encounter against Oldham.

“They pushed us very close at home in the league, back in February, and they will be coming to cause an upset this weekend.

“We really want to be in the next round of the competition, though, so I fully expect the boys to dig deep and give everything this Sunday.”