Straugheir: 'It’s only going to make us stronger'

Rochdale Hornets captain Duane Straugheir believes 'things are only going to get better' after a 46-6 defeat to Widnes Vikings in pre-season.

Despite defeat at the DCBL Stadium in the opening pre-season outing, plenty of positives were seen from Gary Thornton's new-look Rochdale side.

Tommy Porter dived over late on to open Hornets' try scoring account for 2023, however, the Championship outfit proved to be too clinical for Rochdale as Joe Edge scored 22-points including a hat-trick. 

Hornets' Straugheir, who was one of many debutants in Cheshire, believes the loss against a strong Vikings squad will only make Hornets 'stronger' and that Rochdale were not far-off Widnes psychically. 

"There wasn't a massive difference in the contact," said Straugheir.

“Yes, they were quicker than us at ruck speed and things like that but every try went round us; nothing came through us so that’s a positive we can fix up. 

"The score line did not reflect the good performance we put in." 

Rochdale started both half's positively, however, three tries in five minutes saw John Kear's side lead 40-0 after 55 minutes.

Vikings' squad contained former Super League forwards Kyle Amor and Matty Fozard, and Straugheir believes part of the errors came mentally. 

He said: “We’ve just got to be a bit smarter, to control the ruck, slow things down. 

“Those things we’ll look at but it’s great to play against this level opposition, especially people like Kyle Amor who only two years ago was playing in a Grand Final so it’s good.”

The hard work continues for Thornton and the lads, who face local rivals Oldham in the Law Cup in less than two weeks time.

Rochdale defeated Oldham three times last season, with Hornets aiming to lift the cup for consecutive seasons.  

“We know it’ll be passionate and a fiery encounter," said Straugheir, "but that's what you want from a local derby. 

"I know coming into the team myself there’s players that play for Oldham, who used to play for Rochdale, so it’ll mean a lot to them.

"But this Widnes game will give us that incentive to kick on and the mood is good. 

“Pre-season’s been great so far and it’s only going to be even better now that we’ve had a game under our belts."

It was the first time since September that Hornets fans could see their side in action, and following the match Straugheir expressed how he already 'loves' the fanbase.  

"That’s why we go out there. You have to build a relationship with your fans and hopefully we showed them some things and didn’t disappoint.”