Cup experience vital, says Clough

ALL ABOARD FOR ACTION . . . members of the participating clubs — John Clough, of Oldham Roughyeds is fifth right — with Northern Rail Cup ambassador Robbie Hunter-Paul (front, left) and Northern Rail area director Richard Allan at the launch in Leeds.

OLDHAM RL Club hooker John Clough expects a tough time in the Northern Rail Cup — but knows Roughyeds will gain from the experience regardless of results.

Featherstone Rovers visit Whitebank on Sunday as the group stages of the competition get under way, with the hosts anticipating a busy afternoon keeping the Post Office Road outfit at bay.

Clough said: “The Northern Rail Cup is a big competition for everyone involved, but obviously we know every fixture in the tournament is going to be tough because we are up against sides from a higher division.

“In that situation it is so important to keep your concentration levels for the entire game.

“At the end of the day I see this cup as a kind of benchmark. It is a great way of finding out the level we are up to, what we are doing right and what we can improve on.stronger

“Whatever the outcome, especially against the stronger sides, we will take something away from the experience because it is a chance to learn about the squad.

“The Northern Rail Cup games also help in terms of getting our fitness levels nice and sharp in preparation for the start of the Co-operative Championship One season.

“We know the league is the biggest priority this club has because it is crucial to gain promotion this time, especially with the top-four sides going up.

“All eyes are on that first league game against Workington. It is clear to everyone how much of a boost a positive start to the campaign can be, so we want to hit the ground running and send out a message with a good performance and result.”

This year’s final is to be hosted by Blackpool on Sunday, July 29.

The winners will follow last year’s victors Leigh and Co-operative Championship One champions Featherstone in securing the right to apply for a Super League licence for 2015-2017.



NORTHERN Rail have announced an extension to their current sponsorship deal.

At the launch of the competition in Leeds, it was confirmed the company’s involvement will continue to the 2013 tournament.