Fitness boost for Sheffield Eagles

Thorpe was a doubt after picking up a dead leg in the defeat against Swinton Lions, whilst Lo has been missing for weeks because of a shoulder issue. They are joined in the squad by new signing Nathan Chappell, after the centre completed his move on Wednesday.

Chappell, who can also play in the second row, should make his debut for Eagles tonight, against the club he played 12 times for last season. There is no place for half-back Rhys Jacks as director Mark Aston forces changes to his stuttering side.

Aston will be hoping that a tweak in personnel will give his side a renewed spark, as he seeks victory for the first time since April. “We have again looked to give Garry a full week of preparation and we’ll see how he is for Friday which is again another massive test for us” Aston said on the potential return for the PNG winger. “We need some energy and luck. We have to work hard to get out of this hole. It is something we are not used to, hopefully we can find our feet again.”

Rovers will be looking to keep up the pressure on the Championship’s top four, knowing victory over the Eagles would move them above Batley and Halifax into fourth position.

Aston at least says his side haven’t lacked effort, but he continues to drill home a need for discipline.

“We have not been disciplined enough, but we are trying” he added.

“There isn’t a lack of effort there. It is a lack of knowledge and discipline. That is something that I have seen all year.”

The ‘Flat Cappers’ got the better of Aston’s side earlier in the campaign after a 28-16 victory on Good Friday at the Big Fellas Stadium.

Meanwhile, Featherstone head coach Jon Sharp has named former Eagles favourite Misi Taulapappa in his 19-man squad for the game at Bawtry Road. Kick off 8pm.