Season 2006

All round performances and contribution of Stuart Dickens

For their first ever season in the lowest echelon of rugby league Rovers struggled to recruit a squad that would take them out of the division after coach Dave Hobbs had “cleared out players with wrong attitudes”.  This was a theme throughout the season as various potential signings fell through.  Hobbs therefore had to rely on a core of experienced players already at the club, cheap recruits and promising youngsters.  Problems were most acute in the halfbacks where there was a constant churn of players. After losing the first four games in the National League Cup the side showed some promise in the league campaign.  Whilst lacking consistency they were always challenging for the top spots and notably did the double over ultimate table toppers Dewsbury who won the automatic promotion spot.  In the play-offs for the second promotion spot unfortunately Rovers put in a bad performance against Swinton and were out.

Captain Stuart Dickens was a tower of strength in leading the pack, taking over the goal kicking and clearly player of the year.  Ian Tonks, Steve Dooler, Carl Hughes and Gavin Swinson all put in good shifts in the forwards.  Wayne Mchugh provided a cutting edge in the backs and racked up 27 tries.   With attendances dropping below 1000 for several games these were challenging times on the financial front.