John Duffy: ‘Featherstone team spirit best I’ve seen while coaching’
Featherstone coach John Duffy lauded his sides team spirit following their emphatic victory at Leigh.
The Rovers came from being 20-14 down at the break to turn things around and clinch the two points with a 38-30 win at the Leigh Sports Village on Sunday.
And Duffy was delighted with the team spirit his side showed to grind out the victory.
Speaking after the game, he said: “We played tough and stuck together for the full 80 minutes.
“We knew it would take the full 80 minutes with everything that has gone on at Leigh this week. We knew it was going to be tough to go there and get something from the game but I’m just pleased with how together we were and the toughness that we showed at the end of the game.
“I was glad during the game that we stuck to what we said we were going to do but our team spirit is probably the best I’ve seen while I’ve been coaching and that shone through at the end. This team wants to be successful this year and we knew we needed to come here and get the two points if we want success so I’m just glad for everyone.
“Brad Knowles came to the game from the hospital and we will dedicate the win to his little girl who he and his partner have had.”
Martyn Ridyard put in a man of the match display to help the Rovers beat his former club Leigh, where he spent eight years.
And Duffy was delighted with how his vice-captain got on.
The former Scotland assistant coach added: “He isn’t normally too nervous but he looked really nervous before the game.
“He is just happy that he has come and performed and proved a point. He’s going to be magnificent for Featherstone Rovers but the full 17 players had a real dig.
“It was scrappy in parts and the defence needs to be worked on but we’re really happy going there and getting the two points. It’s massive for us.”
Duffy revealed that Anthony Thackeray had dislocated his elbow in the game and could be facing a long-term injury lay-off. However, Misi Taulapapa could return for Rovers next week.