Middlehurst blow for Rochdale

Rochdale will be without Gary Middlehurst for the Championship relegation battle due to injury.

Middlehurst, 33, suffered a broken thumb in the defeat to Toulouse last week, playing on in the match before having the injury confirmed when he returned to the UK.

Coach Alan Kilshaw told the club’s official website: “Gary will be a big miss for us, he has led from the front all season but I am comfortable we have enough strength in depth to cope without him.

“Ant Walker has stepped into the 13 role while we also have Lewis Hatton who is a natural loose forward.” 

Defeat to Oldham on Monday, coupled with Swinton’s win at Dewsbury, means Rochdale are now just a point above the Championship drop zone.