Cougars will test Hornets, says Stankevitch

Rochdale Hornets coach John Stankevitch believes former Super League club Keighley represent a tough challenge for his team.

Under Jason Demetriou, the Cougars have been promoted into the Championship and with Swinton dominated the Championship 1 league.

And Stankevitch believes Keighley’s visit to Spotland could be the test his side needs.

He said: “It will be a real good tester for us to play against the likes of Michael Korkidas and Sam Obst, and we’re expecting it to be tough.

“You have to give credit to Jason Demetriou, they’ve recruited some real experienced players.”

Stankevitch feels that his side’s performance in their 38-6 defeat at Halifax on Sunday will stand them in good to take on the Cougars.

He said: “A lot of people expected us to get absolutely slaughtered because we hadn’t played a match as a first team and were on a bit of a hiding to nothing.”

“But I thought we were excellent, especially in the second half, and there were some real positive signs.”

Hornets will be without three-quarter Dean Gorton for eight weeks with a dislocated shoulder, while Craig Johnson is expected to come into the side.

Keighley will welcome back another ex-Super League star in Semi Tadulala. Tadulala was unable to play in the Cougars’ draw at Toulouse as he doesn’t currently have a passport.