CIAN TYRER: ‘You can see there's a lot of talent in the team’

Hornets' Cian Tyrer reflects on the loss to Doncaster and looks ahead to this weekend’s Challenge Cup tie at Dewsbury Rams.

The winger was left disappointed after Rochdale's narrow 20-10 defeat to Doncaster at the Crown Oil Arena, in Hornets' opening League 1 match of the season. 

While Hornets are considered to be one of the stronger teams in the division, coming up against the promotion favourites early on was always going to be tough.

Tyrer scored his first of the season against the Dons, alongside Ben O'Keefe, who added to the try he scored in Hornets' 42-4 win over London Skolars in the cup.

Reflecting on the Doncaster match, Tyrer said: “You can see there’s a lot of talent in the team.

“I felt as though we just weren’t at our best. It’s a new group and I feel when we play more games together, things will start to click naturally.

“It was a tough test for us against a very good Doncaster side, but a few of their tries came from our errors. If we cut out those mistakes, then maybe the game could have gone our way.”

Following on from Sunday’s narrow defeat, Hornets turn their attention to the Third Round of the Challenge Cup when they travel to fellow League 1 opponents Dewsbury Rams. 

The Rams, who were relegated from the Championship last season, have started the campaign off with wins over North Wales Crusaders and Midlands Hurricanes. 

On the tie, and Hornets' tough start to the season Tyrer said: “I’m looking forward to the game on Sunday as it will be a big test again. 

"Dewsbury are a very good team, but if we stick to our game plan and get our heads right, there’s no reason why we can’t go through to the next round.

 “We have some tough fixtures at the start of the season, but they will be good tests and tell us where we are at. If we can put some good performances in against quality teams then it will fill us with the confidence and momentum to push on for the rest of the season.”

The outside back was a sensation for the club in 2022, scoring 18 tries and being nominated for the League 1 Young Player of the Year award. 

Despite not winning the award, Tyrer was delighted with the nomination, and he is hoping to have an even more successful 2023.  

He said: “One of my goals at the start of last season was to be nominated for the award in my first year at this level. I was unfortunate not to win it in the end, but I was still very happy to be up there with some class players.

“I’m looking to kick on and improve in every way possible, and do what I can to help the team win some silverware this year.

“If the team clicks, tries will follow, I’m sure of it. For now, it’s just about working on the little things and doing everything I can to help the team win games.”

You can see Tyrer and the rest of the team face off against Dewsbury in our Challenge Cup Third Round clash at the FLAIR Stadium on Sunday 12 March, in a 2pm kick-off.

Tickets can be purchased here, or [cash only] at the ground!

Rochdale return to league action at the Crown Oil Arena on 26 March, where they once again face Dewsbury. 

Tickets can be bought online, here.