Featherstone Rovers impressed during the majority of the 2022 season as the club finished second in the Betfred Championship.
During the 27-game season, Rovers won 23 matches as well as picking one draw. A key theme for Featherstone was their attack. In the regular season, Featherstone boasted the second-best attack with 1060 points scored, which over 200 more than third place Halifax Panthers.
Rovers raced into a great start with five victories from as many matches starting the season. This included a win over Leigh, which was the only one the Centurions suffered through the season.
Featherstone are expected to once again be challenging at the top of the table. This year, they will be coached by former England and St Helens half-back, Sean Long.
During the off-season, Featherstone have introduced new personnel to the squad. Welsh international, Kyle Evans, impressed during the World Cup and he was snatched up by the West Yorkshire side.
Chris Hankinson and Elijah Taylor both featured in Super League last season and will be playing for Featherstone in 2023. Meanwhile, Caleb Aekins helped guide Leigh to promotion in the 2022 season, he will be looking for back-to back promotions this year. McKenzie Yei could also offer a huge threat for Featherstone. The Papua New Guinea international could cause issues for many defences.
In preparation for the 2023 season, Featherstone hosted local rivals Castleford Tigers on New Year’s Day. Long’s side produced a strong performance to defeat Castleford 26-10, in a game which saw many of the new recruits.
Before the season starts, Featherstone will face Hull KR for Craig Hall’s testimonial and Wakefield Trinity in their final friendly match.
Transfers In:
- Chris Hankinson (Toulouse Olympique)
- Mathieu Cozza (Catalans Dragons)
- Thomas Lacans (Newcastle Thunder)
- Elijah Taylor (Salford Red Devils)
- Riley Dean (Warrington Wolves)
- Caleb Aekins (Leigh Leopards)
- McKenzie Yei (Queensland Capras)
- Kyle Evans (Wakefield Trinity)
- Brad Day (Newcastle Thunder)
Transfers Out:
- Ben Hellewell (Salford Red Devils)
- Adam Cuthbertson (Retired)
- Jesse Sene-Lefao (Sheffield Eagles)
- Callum Field (Widnes Vikings)
- Jacob Doyle (Dewsbury Rams)
- Morgan Smith (Wakefield Trinity)
- Brett Ferres (Doncaster)
- Loui McConnell (Doncaster)
One to watch:
Thomas Lacans is one of the new signings for Featherstone, but he could make a big impact for the Flatcappers.
Lacans is a young half back, who featured 53 times for French side Lezignan before making the switch to Newcastle Thunder last year.
The young player will partner Riley Dean in the halves, in one of the youngest halfback partnerships in the Betfred Championship.
Lacans will develop his game through the coaching of Sean Long and Leon Pryce, which could see him progress into one of the best players in the league.
Featherstone will start their season live on Viaplay as they make the trip to face newly promoted Keighley Cougars on Monday 6th February. Kick-off is at 7:45PM.
