Kingstone Press League 1 Preview: Rochdale Hornets v Newcastle Thunder

Rochdale Hornets go into the game against Newcastle Thunder on the back of a convincing win over Barrow Raiders.

Coach Ian Talbot said: “We go into every game with confidence and we’ll approach this game no differently.

“Newcastle have been a bit up and down. They went to North Wales Crusaders and beat them pretty convincingly and then were beaten last week by Keighley.

“They have a new squad and are a new team trying to build up as the season progresses.”

Stanley Gene, the Newcastle Thunder coach, says his team are getting used to playing tough opposition.

“We play another team who were in the Championship last year in Rochdale, who are full of experience,” he said.

“During the game with Keighley I felt disappointed but having looked at the video you could see a little bit of tiredness in that first 40minutes; I can accept that. Rochdale played really well last week when they hammered Barrow.

“It will be a big test for us but one we are looking forward to.”

Newcastle will be without key half-back Benn Hardcastle, who is likely to be out for 12 weeks with a knee ligament injury.