Thackeray: Cup tie should be a cracker

Anthony Thackeray says Featherstone are aiming to “put on a show” when Rovers face Halifax in the sixth round of the Challenge Cup on Thursday.

With a place in the competition’s quarter-finals at stake, former Halifax star Thackeray is expecting a closely-contested encounter at The LD Nutrition Stadium.

The last time the two sides met – in round one of this year’s Championship – Jon Sharp’s men ran out narrow winners.

Thackeray said: “We are really looking forward to the game, it should be a cracker. We believe a good win will help our play-off push in the league, so it is massively important.

“We want to be in the last eight of the cup and we know we can achieve that by performing well. This is a huge game. All eyes will be on us and Halifax and we want to put on a show for everyone watching.

“Halifax are an excellent side and will be around the top four come the end of the year.

“They are one of our big rivals and Challenge Cup fixtures are not like anything else, so, putting everything together, it promises to be a classic.

“Games against Halifax have always been competitive. The one we had at the start of the season was end to end but, thankfully, we got the win.

“It is a really big game, with the Sky cameras on site, so we are looking to make a mark – and send out a clear message.

“I hope the fans turn out to support us. They have made a massive difference when we have played at home this season.”