Uaisele in hat-trick on Featherstone bow

The 29-year-old Tongan international scored Featherstone’s first try after nine minutes and added two more in the second-half as Rovers coasted to their third straight win.

Will Sharp bagged two tries and Gareth Moore landed eight goals from 10 kicks in a victory that lifted Rovers to second place, just two points behind early league leaders Leigh Centurions.

Featherstone quickly took charge against promoted Rochdale, who are still looking for their first victory in the Championship.

Kyle Briggs and Greg Worthington put in Uaisele before Worthington and Uaisele made the opening for Ian Hardman to score.

Andy Ellis burrowed his way over from close range, Moore sent in Sharp for his first and Worthington also crossed to put Rovers 28-0 ahead at half-time.

The one-way traffic continued in the second-half when Briggs forced his way over and Ben Hellewell darted in from George Flanagan’s pass.

Substitute Andy Kain made an immediate impact when his high kick set up Uaisele’s second try and the winger completed his treble five minutes later.

Rochdale were 50-0 down when Anthony Walker scored their solitary try that Paul Crook goaled but Rovers had the last word with Sharp’s 60-yard effort in the final minute.

Featherstone Rovers: Hardman; Sharp, Worthington, Hellewell, Uaisele; Briggs, Moore; Crossley, Ellis, Dale, Lockwood, Spears, Bussey. Substitutes: Flanagan, Hirst, Bostock, Kain.

Rochdale Hornets: English; Langley, Davies, Dawson, Te’o; Millard, Crook; Cookson, Tilley, Suffolk, Flanagan, Greenwood, Walker. Substitutes: Case, Trumper, Thompson, Marsh.

Referee: J Bloem (RFL).