Season 1981/82

21 tries scored by Dave Hobbs the most ever by a Rovers forward

For most of the season Rovers were in the relegation zone, only a surge of form in the last few months of the season saw Rovers pull clear.  In the end Featherstone finished 5 points above the fourth relegated club (Fulham) which looked far more comfortable than it actually was. In the Challenge Cup,  Rovers didn’t even make the first round losing narrowly away at Hull KR in a new preliminary round necessitated by the growing number of clubs.  There were also early exits in the Yorkshire Cup and John Player Trophy.

Financial worries were to the fore when Steve Evans was sold to Hull for a record £70,000. This created a confused situation in the half backs with no settled combination.  Mick Gibbins had a great year along with Dave Hobbs who finished as leading try scorer. Paul Coventry suffered with injuries in his benefit season and Nigel Barker emerged at full back.  Coach Farrar who on appointment stated the club needed to upgrade its training facilities was granted his wish when a new multi-gym opened, funded by supporters and a sports council grant.  Unfortunately Linpac announced their sponsorship would end due to the economic situation.