Featherstone Rovers confirm the retention of key man for 2023 as they push for Super League promotion

Today Featherstone Rovers announced the signing of Papua New Guinea World Cup star McKenzie Yei for 2023.

However, this new face overshadowed another piece of important news as the club also confirmed an important retention.

The Rovers also announced the retention of club captain James Lockwood, the enduring prop has committed for another year and is a big part of the head coach’s plans for 2023.

Long spoke on retaining Lockwood’s services saying: “I coached James when I was here in 2013, he is an exceptional leader and radiates all the qualities that we associate with this club; toughness, doggedness and determination.”

Lockwood commented: “I’m really pleased to be staying on for another season, I’m excited at the prospect of playing under Sean once again. 

“I have worked hard on my fitness over the off season and feel as fit and ready as I ever have, we were disappointed as a squad with the way we ended last season and I want to be part of putting that right.”

Former Leeds Rhinos assistant Long has already brought in the likes of Mathieu Cozza from Catalans Dragons as well as former Wigan Warriors centre Chris Hankinson from Toulouse Olympique as he hopes to better the efforts of Brian McDermott in 2022.