16 September 2023

Featherstone Rovers bounced back from a half-time deficit with a commanding second half effort in France to overpower their closest Championship rivals. Rovers inflicted a first home defeat of the season on a side many people believe will be Grand Final contenders.

With Jack Bussey back after a long break and Johnathan Ford in the halves with Thomas Lacans, Rovers started brightly and scored first when Lacans took on the defensive line and stepped through. When a high cross-field kick was fumbled Toulouse opened their account, but Rovers quickly extended their lead when Craig Hall went close and had the ball stripped, only for Mark Kheirallah to clean up the loose ball and score. He converted his own try and at 12-4 Rovers were in command, but two quick tries before the break put the home side ahead for the first time.

After the break Rovers signalled their intentions with strong forward play from Junior Moors. Position was set up for Joey Leilua to drive to the line and his offload was collected by Elijah Taylor to restore Rovers’ lead at 18-6. Rovers stayed in commend and Ford used good field position to put Hall over out wide with a sublime cut out pass. Kheirallah missed his first conversion, but a drop-goal from Lacans gave Rovers a seven point inside the last ten minutes. The ‘coup de grace’ was supplied by Connor Jones, diving over from acting halfback to seal a notable victory.