Whitehaven will face a Goole Vikings side on Sunday which will be looking for a third win on the bounce.
The League One newcomers have actually won four of their last seven and will be a tougher proposition than when they lost 42-24 at Whitehaven in May.
Head coach Scott Taylor is rallying his players and the fans as they head into this weekend’s home from home clash against Anthony Murray’s side – the first of six home fixtures in the final stretch of the season.
Despite being forced to play away from the Victoria Pleasure Grounds due to ongoing pitch work, Taylor is confident that the Vikings can make Featherstone’s Millennium Stadium feel like home.
“We just hope we can make it feel a bit like our home away from home,” said Taylor.
“There was a great atmosphere at the pre-season game and that home advantage can be massive in getting over the line in those tight matches.
“The home crowds were unbelievable for a new team before we had to go on the road. Considering the state of the ground and the weather and the fact we’re brand new, the support was fantastic.
“We were really excited about getting back home in front of the fans, the club had put a lot into it, so we were all very disappointed to get the news last week – but Fev isn’t too far away and it’s a good standard setup for League One, so it will actually be a good experience for fans and the sponsors.”
But Taylor knows they’ll need to maintain high standards against a Whitehaven side who have already shown their ability with their home win over the Vikings.
He said: “Whitehaven will be a stiff test. They’ve had a bit of a season like us really and we’re pretty evenly matched.
“They’ve got some dangerous players across the park and have built a new core on local lads who play with a lot of heart and energy – you can see they care about the club, which are similar values to us.
“But we are competing harder than ever in training and eager to put right some wrongs from earlier in the season.”
Whitehaven have recently lost two players, and gained two, in a late season squad alteration as Aaron Burns and Kieran Tyrer have moved on.
Tyrer made the decision to leave the club citing travel distance and commitments outside rugby.
Burns will concentrate on his community club Kells. He made his Whitehaven debut against Midlands back in February, but hasn’t featured since.
Arriving at the Ortus REC and making his debut in last Sunday’s home defeat to Swinton was winger Joe Hartley, who returns to Cumbria following a spell at Workington last season.
The former Rochdale and Oldham man joined Haven on loan from Midlands Hurricanes.
He has only made one appearance for the Birmingham side this season, in their 1895 Cup defeat to Keighley.
Also linking up with Haven – and for a second time – is Dan Abram who has arrived on loan from Swinton.
Both players will be in the squad for the trip to Featherstone to take on Goole.
