NRC Preview: Rochdale v Barrow

Sunday 13th February – 3pm

Rochdale Hornets coach John Stankevitch is facing an injury crisis just one week into the new season.

Chris Hough (foot) is a major doubt for Sunday’s Northern Rail Cup clash with Barrow Raiders. Ryan Powell (ankle) and Adam Bowman (facial injury) are both definitely out, while Dean Gorton (calf) is also unlikely to feature.

However, Warrington Wolves prop Jamie Peasnell is in line for his Rochdale debut after agreeing a dual-registration contract for 2011.

Stankevitch said: “The one thing I’m looking for this week is for us to throw everything we’ve got at Barrow. I’ll be more than happy if we put our bodies on the line for the full 80 minutes.”

Barrow coach Garry Schofield says his team need to develop a “killer instinct” after last week’s 24-20 victory over York.

Schofield said: “For 30 minutes we did well, then let them back into it before half-time. We need to get that killer instinct if we want to do the job, rather than just falling in love with ourselves. We need to make sure we get a performance that’s longer than 60 minutes this week.”

However, Schofield was pleased with his side’s attacking ability. “For the five tries we scored, we kept good shape, ball movement, depth and width.

“The lads have taken on board the way I want to play but once we do get in front, we need to kick on. Everyone we play is going to want to take our scalp.”

Chris Larkin (compassionate leave) will be missing, while Gary Broadbent and Jamie Butler face late fitness tests.