Featherstone Rovers hit by injury blow following Challenge Cup victory over Bradford Bulls

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 21/03/2021 - Rugby League - Betfred Challenge Cup Round 1 - Featherstone Rovers v Bradford Bulls - Millenium Stadium, Featherstone, England - Dale Ferguson.

DALE FERGUSON is likely to be out for a "lengthy" period of time after picking up a hamstring injury in Sunday's Challenge Cup win over Bradford Bulls.

Head coach James Webster revealed the forward sustained the injury as Rovers beat Bradford 41-16 in their first competitive game for over a year.

They will face Batley Bulldogs in the second round this weekend before hosting their West Yorkshire rivals for the second week running in a Championship game on Friday, April 2.

Half-back Dane Chisholm was withdrawn during the Cup win over the Bulls but Webster insists that was just a precautionary measure.

"Dane Chisholm struggled with his calves in the off-season and he was tightening up towards the end of the game," he explained.

"That is why we got him off. Dale looks like a hamstring injury, it is a shame for him because he has battled back continuously and looked pretty good in the trial game and also against Bradford.

"I would say Dale would be a lengthy period but I wouldn't expect Dane to be unavailable."