Featherstone Rovers funding not stopping them from showing ambition

Featherstone Rovers are still showing Super League ambition despite the fact they have reportedly cut their funding.

For decades now the Rovers have been fighting hard to join the likes of Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and St Helens in the Betfred Super League.

They should be commended for the ambition they have shown but some how they have routinely missed out on promotion.

This time that has hurt their plans for 2024. As the overwhelming favourites for promotion, the Rovers were prepared to spend Super League calibre money for next year but missing out on promotion means they will miss out on the extra funding awarded to Super League clubs they have had to cut the planned spending on players for 2024 as per Rugby League Live. They reported that this would be cut in half.

This led to reports that they would miss out on some of the signings they had already made which was vindicated when Greg Eden ended up at Halifax Panthers.

However, they are still showing amazing ambition signing three Super League stars in the shape of Nathan Massey from Castleford Tigers, Ben Reynolds from Leigh Leopards and Greg Minikin from Warrington Wolves.

They have also formed a dual registration partnership with Hull KR and have displayed ambition with the women’s team tying down some big names for 2024.

Chloe Billington has put pen to paper on a deal that sees her remain with the club in a new look Super League competition for 2024.

Billington is a part of the England set up also has been pivotal in the club’s development over the last couple of years.

Head Coach Marie Colley commented; “Chloe is an excellent all-round player, she is strong and athletic and has a fantastic work rate. Chloe possesses a real turn of pace and is a prolific try scorer. She has shown to be versatile after a positional change towards the back end of the year, to which she thrived. 2023 was the season Chloe rightfully earned the call up to the England squad due to her hard work and dedication.

“It was a priority for us to secure her signature for next season and is a huge boost to our plans moving forward. Both player and club are aligned with the same goals so this is a significant step in the right direction for both parties. We believe we are a team that can put more exceptional players, like Chloe, into their relative international team set up for seasons to come.”

Billington commented; “Really pleased to be staying at this club, it’s been a real journey for us to get back to playing in a top tier competition and now I’m ready to test myself week in and week out against the best in the game.”

Women’s Title Winning Captain, Brogan Churm also put pen to paper on a new deal.

Churm, a long standing member of the playing group, led her side to a league title in 2023 and will be looking to help Rovers establish themselves once again as a top tier side.

Brogan Churm commented; “There’s a core group of us that have been on this journey to get us back to the top tier. I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved in 2023 but I know there’s much more to come from this group and I look forward to playing my part.”

Marie Colley commented: “Brogan has been an outstanding representative for the club for the past 11 years. She is integral to all our systems and processes and understands the game exceptionally well. She has flourished as our captain and leads by example on the field, earning the respect of everyone involved with the club.

“She possesses a fantastic skill set and combined with her aggressive go forward and technical ability, I am excited to see her play where she belongs, at the top level. Brogan is an exceptional talent and a player who I have enjoyed working with over the last 2 seasons. Being able to retain Brogans services for another season is a massive coup for us, and a credit to what we have developed at Featherstone. She will play a vital part in the club’s progress next season, and will no doubt be a firm blue wall favourite!”

So we have to commend the Rovers for their 2024 plans despite the funding problems.