Rovers ready for “main-event match-up”
Jon Sharp has prepared Featherstone for what he believes is the most eagerly-anticipated Summer Bash clash of 2017.
Rovers battle promotion rivals London on Saturday hoping to move four points clear of the Broncos in the Championship table.
“The people who look after fixture lists have come up with a great tie here,” said Sharp.
“Both ourselves and London are in really good form of late and there is a massive two points up for grabs. It is a bit of a main event match-up.
“I think our game will be the one to watch this weekend, given where both teams are at and how tight it is becoming at the top of the Championship.
“This is a big game for us. London are running hot and have been putting big scores on decent teams, so we are wary of their threats.
“But we come into it in decent shape. Fitness-wise, we are close to 100% and selection is providing good headaches.
“We are really looking forward to what should be a great occasion, with our game being played in front of a near full house.”
Matty Wildie believes Featherstone’s faithful can be the difference against London.
More than 1,000 Rovers supporters will be at Blackpool’s Bloomfield Road, with Wildie preparing for his first Bash appearance as a Featherstone player.
“We are expecting a sizeable turnout of Featherstone fans for what is an absolutely massive game for us,” said Wildie.
“The Rovers supporters have been fantastic this year and can very much act as an 18th man for the team, giving us an edge over London.
“There is a lot at stake today – London are chasing our tails and we know a win could move us four points clear of them in second place.
“But our confidence is high. We are playing some good stuff and are in the last eight of the Challenge Cup, while continuing to make strides in the league.
“This game marks the start point of a massive month for us. It is a four-week period which could decide how our season pans out and we have some massive games coming up, beginning in Blackpool against London.
“They are flying at the moment. They are arguably the Championship’s form team, so we are anticipating one hell of a test.
“Hopefully we can put on a good show for our travelling fans and, with a little help from them, come away with the two points.
“We know a little bit about London, but we know they have improved a great deal since the last time we met them.
“They went through a tough part earlier in the season, but they appear well and truly over it.
“Their recent results have been impressive and the table doesn’t lie. They are within touching distance of us – and we need to increase the gap.”