Bolger returns to boost Rams

Bolger had a spell at Dewsbury last season and has returned for a second stint, although it is unlikely the Broncos will allow him to play against them in next month’s Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth round tie.

The Rams were paired at Super League side London, a tie which will take place on Sunday April 15 (2pm), having disposed of amateurs Thatto Heath Crusaders in comprehensive fashion last weekend and Warren Jowitt’s men are in terrific form ahead of Sunday’s clash.

Rob Spicer was taken off against Thatto with a thigh strain but should be fit, while half-back Cain Southernwood could be in line for a shock return against Rovers.

Jowitt said: “We have really hit form in recent games but we know we need to keep our feet on the ground.

“Nobody has even spoken about the London game yet as everyone is focused on Featherstone.

“Six weeks ago nobody would have given us a chance but everyone is now watching how we are playing and thinking we do.

“Sides in the Championship are catching up to each other and anyone can beat anyone in this division, as the results are showing.”

The Rams suffered a 38-6 defeat at Post Office Road in the Northern Rail Cup but since then have won five on the bounce in all competitions, culminating in last week’s 84-12 demolition of Thatto Heath.

Dewsbury produced some scintillating rugby against the best amateur side in the country as they threatened to break a host of records.

Winger Austin Buchanan ran in five tries, had one disallowed and handed the ball onto team-mates for two more when he could have scored himself.

Stand-off Patch Walker finished with 12 conversions, just one short of the all-time record for goals in a game, while the Rams also threatened to break their record win of 90-5 against Blackpool in 1993.

Jowitt added: “I asked for a performance and certainly got that.

“We wanted to draw one of the big guns but they are still a Super League side with full-time players.

“We shouldn’t be able to upset them but it is cup football and anything can happen. If we are white hot and they are in the doldrums, we may have chance of causing an upset.”

Chairman Mark Sawyer was also a little disappointed with the draw as the Rams are unlikely to make much money from the tie against the worst supported side in Super League.

In contrast there has been something of a buzz around Featherstone this week after they were paired with arch rivals Castleford Tigers in the cup and Mr Sawyer hopes the Rams can perhaps benefit from this.

He said: “Being drawn against Castleford will have fired their supporters up and there could be a few more here than usual.”

It is certainly an intriguing week ahead for the Rams, with the eagerly anticipated derby at Mount Pleasant next Friday.