Stankevitch to give youth a chance

Rochdale Hornets will take to the field tonight against South Wales with a very fresh look to their line-up.

Barry Clarke, Alex West, Andy Taylor, Will Chadwick, Fraser Jones-Lake, Ben Marsden, Andy Unsworth, Ryan Brown and CJ Moore. 

Even to Hornets fans that list of players are largely unknown.

However, in tonight’s Northern Rail Cup game with the Scorpions those nine players will all be given a starting opportunity.

Coach John Stankevitch has always been keen on developing young players and is looking forward to his young side playing at a higher level – some for the first time.

He said: “Half of our under-23’s squad make up the team tonight. They were supposed to be entered in an under 23’s league this season but due to financial problems that wasn’t possible so having the chance to expose them to a higher level of rugby is perfect.”

“With both teams being out of the Northern Rail Cup there is nothing to lose tonight and it will be good to get a glimpse of the future of the club.”

When asked if there were any stand-out talents in the nine players Stankevitch said, “They are all rated highly and have shone in training.”

Taylor and Chadwick have both forced themselves into the first team previously and a good performance tonight will see more of the youngsters pushing for places.

“I’m looking to kick them on and for them to pressure the first-team players.”