Duffy raring to go with Rovers
John Duffy says he can’t wait to get started after being unveiled as Featherstone’s new head coach.
The 37-year-old will take training for the first time on Wednesday ahead of this weekend’s trip to Toulouse for the final game of the regular season.
And the former Super League star is counting down the hours, insisting he will be “working overtime” to ensure his Rovers are ready to battle some of the sport’s best in the Qualifiers.
“We’ll go from tonight’s session and kick on, looking to improve every single time we come together on the training paddock,” said the former Swinton Lions boss.
“I am raring to go and want to rip in. We’ll be looking to get the necessary buy-in from the players and get them playing the style we are wanting as soon as possible.
“Given the sheer quality of the squad in place here, it will be fairly straightforward to implement a fresh approach and new methods.
“I like to see my team create space and play expansive rugby. I know the lads here will be able to grasp it straight away.
“Featherstone did not win a game in the Super 8s last year, so my target is to obviously improve that record and start well – by picking up a win in France, this weekend.
“I’ll be working hard to become a part of the fantastic community spirit this great club possesses and, hopefully, the supporters will be on my side when they see how we play and what results we pick up along the way. Everything comes off the back of results.
“This is exciting for me. The chance to take on some of the best teams in the sport is great. Pressure is not a factor, it comes with the territory, and I’m up for the challenge.
“This club has employed some great coaches and has enjoyed some great results over the years and I aim to live up to expectations.
“One thing is for certain, I’ll leave no stone unturned here and I looking forward to meeting the supporters in the weeks and months ahead.”
Fev chairman Mark Campbell is expecting exciting times ahead following the appointment of Duffy.
Campbell believes Duffy’s arrival will prove fruitful for Featherstone, with the start of the Qualifiers just around the corner.
“We feel certain John will get a great deal out of the players at his disposal, which ticks the boxes for us,” he said.
“He is a coach with heaps of ability and has had to work in difficult circumstances over the past couple of years.
“We are all excited to see what John can do within a well-resourced environment and I know he relishing the opportunity in front of him.
“We have not got the best out of the squad this year and see this as a season of opportunity for the club.
“We want to do well in the Qualifiers and believe John and his team will prepare the players in the right way.”