Season 2002

Performances and scoring exploits of Jamie Rooney

Rovers finished 5^th in the league yet again.  In the new elongated play offs Rovers journey ended with a disappointing home defeat by Batley.  The year began with Ian Fairhurst taking over after Peter Roe left for Wakefield shortly before the season started.  But his was a short spell in charge and mid-way through the season he made way for Andy Kelly even though Rovers were in the top 4 at the time.  Despite pronouncements (and some new signings), that this squad was the strongest for a few seasons, results simply did not live up to this billing.  At times Rovers put in some great performances and early on came desperately close to beating full time Huddersfield Giants who swept all before them in returning back to Super League.  However, this standard wasn’t maintained regularly enough.

Jamie Rooney proved one of the leading lights of the division and broke the clubs goal and points in a season records, as well as crossing for 27 tries and playing in every game.  Elsewhere hooker Richard Chapman showed again he was one of the best number nines around while new full back Nathan Graham epitomised safety and consistency at the back.  But overall Rovers remained a top end tier 2 side and some way short of the goal of returning to the top division.