2021 was an outstanding year for Featherstone, their dominant displays in the Championship earned them a comfortable second place finish, after losing just once. Their 42-10 win against rivals Halifax in the play-off semi-finals meant they could pack their bags for France, with a clash against Toulouse on the horizon for the Million Pound Game.
It was heartbreak in France after Toulouse put in a fine performance, but spirits remained high amongst the Fev faithful after a memorable year. A trip to Wembley that saw the club lift the 1895 Cup was a highlight – something they’ll be looking to repeat this year as they push for promotion yet again.
Craig Hall will be hoping to play a key role in what’s to come after he secured the title of Betfred Championship Player of the Year in 2021, after an excellent season. The efforts of teammate James Harrison were recognised too, as he was nominated for the award and earned himself a move to Warrington Wolves.
As well as the addition of new players, the off-season saw the club appoint Rugby League legend Brian McDermott as Head Coach. The most successful coach in Super League history, the man who oversaw a large chunk of Leeds Rhinos’ Golden Era, will take the reins at Featherstone – where years of investment and planning mean promotion to the top flight is surely at the top of the agenda.
Ahead of what is a huge year for Featherstone, McDermott’s men have hosted two Super League sides at the Millennium Stadium for pre-season preparations.
The first was the visit of Leeds – a real battle for both teams throughout that was ultimately a game of two halves. The Rhinos came out on top though, and Rovers fell to a 22-30 defeat.
Next, they welcomed Wakefield. A brilliant game against their close rivals saw them run out 22-18 victors, finishing pre-season on a high.
Transfers in:
- Morgan Smith (York City Knights)
- Brandon Pickersgill (Bradford Bulls)
- Ben Hellewell (Leigh Centurions)
- Luke Briscoe (Leeds Rhinos)
- Matty Wildie (Leigh Centurions)
- Jesse Sene-Lefao (Castleford Tigers)
- Bayley Gill (Mackay Cutters)
- Joey Leilua (Wests Tigers)
- Ryley Jacks (Melbourne Storm)
- Adam Cuthbertson (York City Knights)
- Ben Mathiou (Norths Devils)
Transfers out:
- Dean Parata (London Broncos)
- Thomas Minns (Newcastle Thunder)
- Brad Day (Newcastle Thunder)
- Frankie Halton (Hull KR)
- Jake Sweeting (Dewsbury Rams)
- James Harrison (Warrington Wolves)
- Jimmy Beckett (Dewsbury Rams)
- Dale Ferguson (Dewsbury Rams)
- Nu Brown
- Kris Welham (Sheffield Eagles)
One to Watch
Despite a host of big names now on board at The Millennium Stadium under the stewardship of Brian McDermott, it's hard to look past the remarkable capture by Featherstone Rovers of NRL star Joey Leilua for the 2022 Betfred Championship season.
The 30-year-old was named Dally M Centre of the Year - as the NRL's best in his position - in both 2016 and 2018 and can boast almost 100 tries from over 200 appearances in the competition.
Following stints with Sydney Roosters, Newcastle Knights, Canberra Raiders and Wests Tigers, this will be Leilua's first foray into the Northern Hemisphere.
2022 FULL SQUAD:
Brandon Pickersgill, Luke Briscoe, Joey Leilua, Craig Hall, Gareth Gale, Tom Holmes, Dane Chisolm, Craig Kopczak, Connor Jones, James Lockwood, Brett Ferres, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Jack Bussey, Matty Wildie, John Davies, Junior Moors, Ben Hellewell, Josh Hardcastle, Callum Field, Morgan Smith, Luke Cooper, Kyle Trout, Loui McConnell, Jacob Doyle, Bayley Gill, Ryley Jacks, Adam Cuthbertson, Ben Mathiou
Featherstone get their 2022 Betfred Championship campaign underway tonight, when they travel to York City Knights – kick-off at 19:45, live on Premier Sports!
