Season 1989/90

Touchline conversion by Mark Knapper to win Yorkshire Cup semi-final replay

The sale of Graham Steadman to Castleford, and Karl Harrison to Hull, meant Rovers started the season with money in the bank.  But the loss of these two players, plus some early season injuries, resulted in a very poor start to the season, and wide levels of discontent and frustration amongst supporters.  By xmas, Featherstone were firmly entrenched in the relegation zone having won only a single league game.  The one bright spot was an appearance in the Yorkshire Cup Final following a stunning victory over Castleford in a semi-final replay.  Unfortunately there was yet another defeat in a Yorkshire Cup Final this time by Bradford.  Gradually league form improved and Rovers ended up in a tense scrap to avoid the last relegation slot with Leigh and Sheffield which went to the last game of the season.  Thankfully results went Rovers way.

Paul Newlove again topped the try scoring and became the youngest test cap when he made his international debut.  Even more dependence was placed on Deryck Fox who as ever rose to the challenge.  The introduction of Tim Sharp to the stand-off position coincided with the upturn in form, as did the introduction of new signings Terry Manning and Gary Rose.