Championship preview: Sheffield v Rochdale (Sun 2.00pm)

Sheffield Eagles look set to include Jon Ford and Will Hope when they open their Kingstone Press Championship campaign on Sunday.

The pair joined the Eagles on season-long loan deals from Salford Red Devils and will now try to help Sheffield defend their title, but Rochdale Hornets coach Ian Talbot is hopeful of causing a shock result on Sunday.

Talbot said: “Hopefully Sheffield will underestimate us. It’s probably the toughest start we could imagine, but what a fantastic scalp it would be. If we could get a win, that would be a brilliant way to start the season.”

He added: “This year is a massive challenge for us. We’re everybody’s favourites to finish bottom, never mind be relegated. We go into the season under no illusions, but we’re also under no pressure.

“We’re not throwing a massive budget at finishing top of the table. We’re playing pressure free, and hopefully we’ll pick up some points and see where we are come the end of the season.”

Talbot has no major injury concerns and will select a Rochdale team from a fully fit squad.