Team Talk – Featherstone Rovers (A) Preview

2022 Widnes Vikings Team Talk - Leigh Centurions home preview

Let’s take a look at how the squad is recovering following last week’s game at home to Batley, as they get ready to take on high-flying Featherstone Rovers this Sunday 1st May (3pm kick-off).

This Sunday will see us travel to West Yorkshire to take on table topping Featherstone Rovers, who remain unbeaten with the only blip on their otherwise perfect record coming against Batley Bulldogs who they shared the points with in their game at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium.

The game will be a big test of the Vikings’ resolve and the Featherstone coach Brian McDermott will have an abundance of riches to chose from with the squad depth that Rovers have. 

Featherstone travelled to Odsal to take on Bradford Bulls, live on Premier Sports on Monday evening. After seeing the Bull’s score first to take an early lead, Rover’s replied with two tries of their own heading into the break at 12-6. 

Bradford scored the first try of the second half and the game was locked at 12 apiece before a flurry of late tries saw Featherstone come away with a hard fought win.

We will still be without fullback Jack Owens who has undergone his minor knee surgery and began his rehab programme with the club physio. Jack will be assessed on a weekly basis and will be aiming to be running on the field within the next month.

Levy Nzoungou and Shane Grady remain sidelined with their respective injuries. Shane is progressing well and will be aiming to be back on the field with the physio within the next month.

Liam Bent will be available for selection after following the RFL concussion guidelines and passing his head test before returning to play.

Danny Craven is close to returning to full training after progressing through his running phase with the Strength and Conditioning staff. This week will see him get up to full speed and back into some team training sessions.

Aaron Brown has continued with his return to running after sustaining a toe injury. He will be managed by the physio and a decision will be made on whether or not he is available for selection this week.

A decision later in the week will also be made on Tyler Dupree, on whether or not he will be available for our trip to the Millennium Stadium.

Jake Spedding remains unavailable for selection this week.

Joe Edge will have a scan on his ankle this week to determine the extent of the injury he picked up in the game against Leigh.

Ryan Ince was also unavailable for the visit of Batley and is being assessed this week ahead of a potential return on Sunday.

Ramon Silva has returned to Wigan Warriors following the expiry of his initial two-week loan deal.

You can buy tickets for the Featherstone game from our Club Shop at Widnes Market (click here for opening hours), with children going free when accompanied by a paying adult.