Brooks tips Rovers to cause upset in France

Rovers are without a win in the Betfred Qualifiers, but Brooks insisted they are in confident mood ahead of the clash with Catalans Dragons at Stade Gilbert Brutus.

The French side are fifth in the table and on course for the Million Pound Game and Brooks said: “Catalans aren’t really playing that well.

“I think some teams are maybe going to underestimate us and that might be crucial for us.

“We are a good side. I think we are letting ourselves down a bit at the minute, but if we turn up with a good attitude we could create a shock.

“There is no pressure on us. I don’t think anyone expects us to get promoted, but the Super League teams don’t want to get relegated. If we start off well maybe they will start to do some stupid things and hopefully we can get some points.”

Brooks joined Rovers, who were flying to France and back today, in July after he was released by Widnes Vikings.

“It is good,” he said of his new club. “Everyone’s really welcoming. The last few results have been a bit disappointing, but the coaches and the boys are really good and the club has been really good to me, so I am really enjoying myself.”

He has signed a one-year deal to officially become the club’s first new signing for 2018.

Rovers lost all seven of their games in the Qualifiers last year and their only point so far this term came from a draw at London Broncos, but Brooks reckons last week’s battling performance against Hull KR was a step forward.

“We conceded a few soft tries and we have to work on them, but I think our attitude and our spirit was a lot better,” he said.