WHITEHAVEN have offered free entry to all Featherstone Rovers season-ticket holders to their games as a gesture following news of the latter’s absence from the Championship.

The Cumbrian side say they have opened their doors in solidarity to fans of the Yorkshire club, who face a season without being able to watch their team.

A club spokesperson said: “It’s heartbreaking what’s happened to Featherstone Rovers and their fans.

“We were nearly in the same position in 2024, but are now in process of building ourselves back up.

“As a show of solidarity with their fans we would like to extend a heartfelt offer that any with season tickets can use them to come and watch one of our games for free.

“We know we are miles away but the Lake District is beautiful holiday destination.”

Whitehaven were one of eight clubs not due to play Featherstone and so will still play their full quota of 24 games as things stand – along with Dewsbury, Keighley, Midlands, Newcastle, Rochdale, Sheffield and Workington.

Whitehaven have also revealed their squad numbers for the new season, with skipper Jordan Burns retaining the number one shirt.

Squad numbers: 1 Jordan Burns, 2 Mitchell Todd, 3 Chris Taylor, 4 Ethan Bickerdike, 5 Jay Weatherill, 6 Ciaran Walker, 7 Jack Newbegin, 8 Jake Pearce, 9 Ellison Holgate, 10 Jordan Thomson, 11 Connor Holliday, 12 Rio McQuistan, 13 Jack Kellett, 14 Josh Blinkhorn, 15 Ellis Nixon, 16 Brad Brennan, 17 Aaron Turnbull, 18 Cole Walker-Taylor, 19 Dave Eccleston, 20 Marc Shackley, 21 Joe Lowe, 22 Brett Bailey, 23 Ben Pearce, 24 Lewis Brown, 31 Xenden Callander, 35 Jackson Smith.