Sean Long impressed by Featherstone Rovers signing on debut

Former St Helens and Leeds Rhinos assistant Sean Long took charge of a game as a Head Coach for the first time yesterday in the final game of 2022.

The new Featherstone Rovers boss was left pleased as his side defeated local rivals Castleford Tigers at home in a 26-10 win thanks to a Gareth Gale brace.

Speaking on the Rovers Twitter page, Long praised the Rovers’ defence.

He said: “I just liked how they scrambled for one another. Thomas Lacans chased someone down, they put a kick in and Bussey got back over there.

“Our defence we have worked a lot on that and to only concede two tries is good. If we can do that throughout the season, you will win the league that is a given.”

Meanwhile, he identified one new signing on debut who impressed him.

He picked out Warrington Wolves loanee Riley Dean for the way he managed the game and created tries for his teammates.

Long was also pleased with his middle.

He said:

“I think Riley Dean has come in nice and calm, he plays with a nice tempo and set four tries up.

“I think everyone impressed, the middles were outstanding and grafted hard. That’s what we will be about this year, the graft.”