Featherstone Rovers triumph as Monday night Championship kicks off – three talking points

Josh McAllister
Featherstone Rovers

Photo courtesy of Dec Hayes

Monday Night Rugby League kicked off at the LNER Community Stadium as Featherstone Rovers showed their class with a 30-12 win over York. 

Brian McDermott handed several debuts in the opening clash, including Brandon Pickersgill and Jesse Sene-Lefao. Fans will have to wait to see Joey Leilua in action, who didn’t feature. 

For the hosts, Jack Logan made his debut in the centres. Ireland international Ronan Michael was named at prop, with Pauli Pauli on the bench. 

Sene-Lefao almost crossed on his debut just five minutes in, but a great cover tackle from Matty Marsh forced the error. 

That saw the end of the former Castleford forward’s night, as he left the field with a dislocated arm.

Half-back Smith crashed his way over on 20 minutes to open the scoring against his former club. Craig Hall converted the try for a 6-0 lead. 

Injury news: Jesse Sene-Lefao dislocates shoulder on Featherstone debut

Man of the match Jack Bussey extends lead

Jack Bussey extended his side’s lead five minutes later. A short ball from his captain James Lockwood gave the former Toronto forward enough room to squeeze over next to the sticks. Hall converting for a 12-0 score. 

James Glover hit back for the hosts on the 38th minute. Jamie Ellis’ high kick to the corner was collected by winger Joe Brown, and his offload found the centre to gather the ball on the floor and score the club’s first try of the season. Ellis converted the try for a 12-6 score.

Both sides went close before break, with Pickersgill held up over the line but just the six points separated the two sides at half-time.

Smith was showing his class in attack and defence, as his last-ditch tackle saved a try for his side on the 46th minute. The 23-year-old held up forward Chris Clarkson just metres away from the line. 

Rovers crossed just two minutes later through Josh Hardcastle to extend their lead to 18-6. 

Former Leeds winger Luke Briscoe scored on his return to the club with an acrobatic finish in the corner on 54 minutes for a 24-6 score. 

York Hooker Will Jubb went over from dummy-half to give the hosts some hope of a late comeback. However, it wasn’t to be. Hall wrapped things up on the 71st minute to secure the win on their opening game before adding two from a penalty before the full-time hooter for a 30-12 score.

Team news

Featherstone Rovers: Pickersgill, Briscoe, Hardcastle, Hall, Gale, Holmes, Smith, Cooper, Wildie, Lockwood, Moors, Sene-Lefao, Bussey.

Subs: Jones, Davies, Trout, Field.

Tries: Smith, Bussey, Hardcastle, Briscoe, Hall. 

Goals: Hall 4/5

York City Knights: Harrison, Brown, Glover, Logan, Oakes, Marsh, Ellis, Matongo, Jubb, Michael, Clarkson, Kirmond, Thompson.

Tries: Glover, Jubb.

Goals: Ellis 2/2

Talking points

Monday Night Rugby League kicks off

How good is it to see Championship rugby league broadcasted live? While York would have preferred their home clash to result in a win, what a fantastic place to begin Monday Night Rugby League.

From coverage, commentary, presenters and pundits – it’s shaping up to be a success for Premier Sports in 2022.

Next up, Featherstone host Leigh.

Brandon Pickersgill shines on debut

Brandon Pickersgill received praise from the commentary team during the game. The former Bradford full-back shined on his Featherstone debut, and is showing why he was awarded the number one shirt at Rovers.

York show promising signs

Jamie Ellis’ kicking game will cause issues for defences in the 2022 campaign. Joe Brown looked good on the wing, while Will Jubb also crossed for a try. There’s plenty of improvement in them, but York should be pushing for a play-off spot this season.

Read more: The list of Monday night rugby league Championship fixtures live on TV

PLAY: Our free Fantasy Rugby League competition is back for 2022

 

Championship Featherstone Rovers