Not strictly 2017 fixture related...but says in the HDM that Pearson has had discussions with the RFL about getting 'big' fixtures to the KC, following us being snubbed for both playing the Kiwi's in our 150th anniversary (they played Leeds instead) and this years World Club Championship. It seems he wants us to play New Zealand/Australia as a friendly. And also is pushing for us to get a decent World Cup game.

Of course he is probably more interested now as he's hoping to be part of the winning Hull City/SMC bid.

all well and good but as we know with international RL, there will be no plan for whats going in in 2019, and venues will be picked at last minute!

Can't say I blame you after nearly 2 years of being dry bummed by us.

Of course this is what they really mean by derby fatigue. Must be physically and emotionally spent. Ben Cockayne must be delighted to have some respite from Michaels though, almost felt sorry for him having to watch Stevie dance past him yet again.

While it'll be a bit of a lambs to the slaughter scenario, and Radford's impressively ruthless approach means he will no doubt have had the whetstone out, it is only a friendly - what's to fear ateotd?

You get to run up a score and sing about winning at Wembley. And rightly so. The price for that pleasure is to pay for a bit of our squad depth. Don't expect 'us' to turn up and watch it though, apart from a few hardy masochists. Suffered enough of late!

#Roversforever though. Looking forward to seeing your 4k filling the North Stand, hopefully we remember to parade the Challenge Cup round. You've not won it within living memory of the majority of your supporters, so would be nice to unite and share as we commence the City of Culture year in such different positions.

Another home friendly against Toronto at the KC on the 22nd.

Their first ever game