High stakes as Tigers and Robins fight for final spot

Thieves broke into the Rovers’ ground last weekend and took cables which power the club’s floodlights and led to rumours the crunch game may have to be postponed.

But Rovers yesterday insisted they had managed to replace the cabling and had drafted in extra security to prevent further thefts.

“The club can confirm that the cable that powers the floodlights was stolen last weekend, but will be replaced in plenty of time for Saturday’s play-off deciders,” said a club spokesman.

“Extra security has also been brought in to ensure there is no repeat of the theft.”

That will be music to the ears of everyone concerned with the Robins and Tigers for a game which is crucial to both clubs, and destined to be an emotional evening.

Tomorrow’s winner will earn the final play-off spot in Super League, defeat and the season comes to an abrupt end.

And with major changes planned at both clubs this winter – respective coaches Justin Morgan and Terry Matterson are leaving along with a host of players – the losers know it will be the end of an era.

One player who could be making his Tigers farewell is veteran prop Nick Fozzard.

The 34-year-old former St Helens star is out of contract at the end of the season, and talks are ongoing at Wheldon Road about a new one-year deal.

He returns to Craven Park tomorrow, having played for a year with the Robins, and expects an intimidating atmosphere.

“It’s really exciting,” he said. “You couldn’t have scripted it better – us going to Hull KR to have to make the play-offs, Craven Park is a tough place to go. If we can’t go there and win though, we don’t deserve to be in the play-offs.

“We know what we have to do, we have to go and win. We will be giving it a damn good go.

“I was very proud to play for Hull KR, it was a smashing club. I made a lot of good friends there, a lot who I think highly of. It just didn’t quite work out, but I enjoyed it – it was a good experience.”

Fozzard will decide in the next fortnight on whether to retire or play on for one more season in Super League.

“As yet I am undecided. I have got a few decisions to make, and I’m weighing up my options. I have to decide in the next two weeks.

“I’d like to play for one more year, if that’s possible. I am 34, you have to call time on it eventually and this could be my time. I will talk to my agent next week.

“I would love to stay at Cas for one more year, but we will have to see.”

Tomorrow gives Castleford the chance to make amends after last weekend’s disappointing home defeat to Hull FC which saw the early Super League pace-setters crash out of the top eight for the first time this season.

Fozard said: “I can’t wait until Saturday, it is a massive game. Last week was a bit of a disaster for us, a bit embarrassing. It could be our last game of the season, but we really want to get in the play-offs.

“We feel like we deserve it, we have had a rough ride recently with injuries, but we have been in the top eight all year long. We just want to have a crack at the play-offs.

“The last 20 minutes against Hull last week was bad and we want to put things right.”

Heading for the Craven Park exit are captain Mick Vella, long-serving Ben Fisher, Clint Newton, Shaun Briscoe, Liam Colbon, Matt Cook and Peter Fox.

Fisher, one of just three survivors of Rovers’ promotion-winning team, is hoping he can leave Craven Park on a high and put himself in the shop window for a move to another Super League outfit.

His departure will leave Scott Murrell and Jason Netherton as the sole survivors from what Fisher describes as the “special” group of 2006 that elevated the Robins into the top flight.

“I feel privileged to be a part of that group of players that did that for this club,” said the 30-year-old. “I’m sure I’ll always be remembered along with the boys that made the transition to Super League and cemented Hull KR’s position there.

“I think I’ve a right to say myself, Scott (Murrell), Jase (Netherton), Macca (Makali Aizue) and Webbo (James Webster) are part of the reason Hull KR are as successful as they are now.

“Without the boys who did the job back then, you wouldn’t have the big names at the club now.

“I’ve spilled blood for this club and that’s going to be tough to walk away from but I’ll walk away happy and proud knowing the club is in a better position than it was when I arrived.

“It’s going to be emotional for me on Saturday. This place has been really lovely to me; it’s been a home away from home.

“I might get here a bit early and suck in the atmosphere. I’m not much of a crier but you can never rule it out.

“Even the toughest guys cry sometimes.”

Hull KR and Castleford were both praised for their Super League licence applications yesterday, after the RFL revealed their evaluations of bids.

The RFL said Rovers had a “sound business plan” and stadium development would allow it to increase crowds and revenue.

“The club already has impressive levels of commercial revenue and attendances within the limitations of its home ground, with good community interaction and an improving player development system,” the report said.

It highlighted Castleford’s need to move to a new stadium to help the club grow, but described Tigers as “a well-run, sustainable club that lives within its means”

Halifax were criticised for their failed application, the RFL claiming there was “insufficient detail in their marketing, media or commercial plans”.

It added: “Whilst the club has an excellent community programme, a good facility and has recently strengthened its board and player performance system, the club fell below the standards expected of a Super League club.”

One of the clubs to receive high praise from the RFL was Hull FC.

The report said: “With their facilities, clear vision, stability, staff structure and strong presence within their community, Hull FC are undoubtedly one of the top clubs in Super League.”