Max Flanagan: We need to turn things around

Rochdale Hornets outside back Max Flanagan insists the squad are out to right some wrongs this Sunday when they come up against his former club Newcastle Thunder.

The Hornets have suffered three successive defeats since victory in Round 1 of the new Betfred League 1 season at Midlands Hurricanes back in February.

Their most recent setback came at Workington Town last Sunday - the Cumbrian side capitalising on a strong start to run out 32-22 winners.

While admitting the squad were well below-par on that day, Flanagan is confident that the injury-ravaged Hornets can turn their fortunes around this weekend. 

"Injuries aren’t helping us at the minute, but we know we have enough quality to be winning games in this league," he said.

"We didn’t deserve to beat Workington, and we’ll be looking to right some wrongs in our performance this time around.

"It was disappointing that the home opener against Hunslet didn't go our way last month. 

"Nevertheless, we're determined to turn things around. We want visiting teams to feel the pressure and every point matters in this division, especially on our own turf."

Sunday's game - which will kick off at the slightly later time of 4pm - will be a particular special one for Flanagan as he prepares to face Thunder for the first time since leaving to join the Hornets ahead of the 2024 campaign. 

Having caught the eye of the club playing for Newcastle University, the 22-year-old turned out for Thunder's reserves and then the first team, scoring once in three appearances.

Looking ahead to Sunday, Flanagan added: "I’m excited to come up against some familiar faces and hopefully get one over on my old team-mates!

"We’re not going to underestimate them. They are a young team with lots of enthusiasm, and we will have to start well, curb their enthusiasm and put in an 80-minute performance this weekend."