Dan Nixon: ‘This is one of the biggest games of the season’

Rochdale Hornets wing Dan Nixon has labelled Sunday’s Law Cup clash with Oldham as one of the 'biggest' games of the season.

Gary Thornton’s side travel to the Vestacare Stadium for the second of three pre-season fixtures, after a first outing ended in a 46-6 defeat at Widnes Vikings.

Sunday sees the return of the Law Cup - a traditional pre-season game between Hornets and close rivals Oldham - in which Rochdale come into the contest as holders.

Nixon, who started two of the three matches against Oldham last season, understands the importance of this fixture even if it is still in pre-season.  

He said: “The message will be this is one of the biggest games of the season.      

“This is where our season starts and derbies are always interesting so a win over our rivals would give us a massive advantage going into the new season.

“It will be a good chance a look at Oldham’s squad and a good opportunity to see how we fare against a fellow League 1 side.

“We have signed a couple of players from Oldham, and they have a few from us, so there we will be players out to prove a point and both teams will be wanting to send a message out ahead of the season.”

Nixon, who scored 10 Betfred League 1 tries last season, has been hailed as a ‘fans favourite’ by Hornets chairman Andy Mazey.

The 21-year-old, who made his Rochdale debut in 2021, says working with Thornton has had a big impact on his development.

Nixon said: “I’ve grown massively since I first started.  

“Gary has helped immense amounts with the improvement of my game and the in the development of my understanding and knowledge.

“Every training session I'm learning and aiming to become a better player.”

Nixon started in Rochdale’s defeat at Vikings, as supporters witnessed Thornton’s new-look Hornets side which consisted of many of the club's new signings. 

Despite the defeat, Nixon believes positives can be taken into this weekend’s clash with Oldham.

“The game was really tough against a well organised Championship side,” he said.

“We always knew it was going to be a difficult battle, especially as it was our first time playing as a team, but we managed to come away with positives.

“We threatened their line a couple of times and looked sharp in defence. We have been working on these areas with Gary and the coaching team in training, in order to improve as a team.”

Even though it is the first Law Cup clash since Rochdale beat Oldham 18-12 in 2020, the two sides met three times last season.

Hornets were victorious on each occasion, which included a 38-24 win over Oldham in the Elimination Play-Off at the Crown Oil Arena.

Nixon, who scored a try in the first league meeting between the two sides last season, understands just how much this fixture means to Hornets supporters.

He said: “This fixture is massive for the fans as it is a local derby and gives bragging rights to the winner ahead of the new season.

“Our supporters are amazing. We need all the noise and support behind the lads on Sunday, and I'm sure the fans will provide just that.”

Tickets for the Law Cup clash can be purchased here.

Season passes for 2023 are available to buy here.