Rovers miss out on Nielsen and Hampshire

Featherstone have missed out on two big signings ahead of the Qualifiers.

General Manager Davide Longo says that visa legislation has prevented the signature of former Queensland State of Origin player Dane Nielsen.

Nielsen, who played for Bradford in 2015, has not made the required amount of first-grade appearances over the past two years in order to qualify for clearance on a return to the UK.

“We are absolutely gutted to have missed out on Dane to Featherstone, as we feel he would have been a real coup for us and added a great deal,” said Longo.

“The rules are the rules but it leaves us extremely frustrated, as a club looking to achieve big things this year. We are in the business of putting bums on seats but this legislation makes matters difficult.”

Rovers have also failed in a bid to acquire Leigh full-back Ryan Hampshire who has has turned down a contract offer with the club.

“Ryan was made what we believe was a hugely-competitive offer to consider, though expressed a desire to remain in Super League,” explained Longo.

“John Duffy’s appointment has brought a great deal of excitement to the playing squad this week but we have been frustrated in our on-field recruitment efforts, which remain ongoing.”