MATCH PREVIEW: VS LONDON SKOLARS – CHALLENGE CUP

Rochdale Hornets get their Challenge Cup campaign underway against London Skolars as they aim to progress to the Third Round.

Hornets will be aiming to put a strong Challenge Cup run together this season, which starts against fellow League 1 opposition on our return to competitive action. 

OVERVIEW

Game: Rochdale Hornets v London Skolars

Competition: Challenge Cup

Date: Sunday 26 February

Kick-off: 13:00

Venue: Crown Oil Arena 

ROCHDALE HORNETS

Hornets will be aiming to secure back-to-back wins and build on their 50-10 dismantling of Salford Red Devils Reserves last time out.

Cian Tyrer and Luke Forber each scored twice in a nine try win, as Hornets ended pre-season with a victory after defeats to Widnes Vikings and Oldham.

Rochdale received a bye in Round One of the League 1 season last weekend, as they face Doncaster at the Crown Oil Arena in their opening match on 5 March.  

LONDON SKOLARS 

Skolars head to the North West off the back of a 58-16 home defeat to Workington Town - who were relegated from the Championship - in their league opener. 

Liam O’Callaghan, Jerome Yates and Alex Deery, who scored tries for London, have all been included in head coach Joe Mbu's 21-man squad. 

Last season London finished 9th in League 1 and were knocked out in the Third Round of Challenge Cup after a 28-6 defeat to Hunslet Club Parkside. 

HEAD TO HEAD

Rochdale have won their last eight meetings with Skolars, and are yet to lose in 12 matches on home soil. 

Hornets won 32-14 against London at the Crown Oil Arena last season, and 56-22 in the first meeting in the capital. 

Skolars' last victory against Hornets was a 32-16 home win in June 2013.

TEAM NEWS

Gary Thornton has named his full 21-man squad for the visit of Skolars:

Purcell, Tyrer, Cooke, O'Keefe, Nixon, Else, Hewitt, Braham, Berry, Killan, Brewin, Straugheir, Roden, O'Hanlon, Boardman, Arnold, Badham, Clarke, Ratcliffe, Brannan and Forber. 

TICKETING INFORMATION

Tickets for Sunday's match can be bought online on the Rochdale website here.

Pay on the day is also available, with admission prices as follows: £17 for adults, £8 for students and £5 for under 16s.

Match sponsorship is still available. Email ste.kerr@hornetsrugbyleague.com for more info.

Tickets for our League 1 opener with Doncaster, and also 2023 season passes, can be purchased here.