NRC Preview: Featherstone v Sheffield

Tony Tonks (calf), Liam Finn (back) and Papua New Guinean recruit Jessie Joe Parker (ankle) could all be available for Rovers.

The trio were all in doubt for last week’s scheduled game against Hunslet but that game’s postponement has given them an extra week to recover.

Featherstone are considered one of the favourites to lift the Northern Rail Cup but coach Daryl Powell remains focussed on the short term.

He said: “We’ve got a tough four group games and we’ve got to make sure we don’t come unstuck.”

Matty Brooks and Peter Green could both feature for Sheffield, despite recent elbow injuries, while Trevor Exton (finger) and Ashley Thackeray (jaw) will face late fitness tests.

Eagles coach Mark Aston admitted to being frustrated by last week’s cold snap but remains focussed on Sunday’s trip to the Bigfellas Stadium.

Aston said: “The bad weather has disrupted our preparation but it’s the same for the other clubs.”