Daryl Powell aims for Northern Rail Cup success with Featherstone

Featherstone coach Daryl Powell says nothing less than victory will suffice for his Rovers side as they prepare for the Northern Rail Cup final.

Featherstone go into their first ever Northern Rail Cup final aiming for a second trophy in two seasons but Powell knows opponents and close rivals Halifax will be determined to make amends for their dramatic 20-16 defeat against Leigh in the competition’s showpiece last season.

“It’s always important to win no matter what game it is,” said Powell. “But it would obviously be great if we could beat Halifax and take the Northern Rail Cup home to sit alongside the Championship trophy.

“We’ve had the experience of winning the Co-operative Championship Grand Final but never this one and I’d love to add it.

“Winning the Northern Rail Cup has been a target for us for many seasons but we’ve never quite managed it. This year we’ve cracked it and got there, but it means nothing if we don’t get the win.”

Powell will be aware of Halifax’s big-game prowess having watched his side fall to dramatic golden point defeats to their West Yorkshire rivals in both the 2010 Championship Grand Final and last season’s Northern Rail Cup semi-final.

“Halifax are a good team and they’ve got some quality players so the game really is 50-50,” he said.

“We’ve been exceptionally consistent this season and our defence is very strong so it would be great if we can keep that going to add some silverware to our cabinet and give the fans something to cheer.

“Our fan base is fantastic and the support that we get not only at home but away as well is great. We want the fans to have a great day out at Blackpool and hopefully win the trophy for them.”