TJ Boyd: We need to turn a corner quickly

Rochdale Hornets outside back TJ Boyd believes the squad has what it takes to find the formula for consistency.

A difficult run of three straight league defeats has slowed the Hornets' momentum somewhat, after a largely positive start to the campaign. 

Despite picking up a deserved 35-10 victory over Goole Vikings back in Round 8, plus an impressive 32-18 win at home to Sheffield Eagles in the 1895 Cup, the Hornets have found it hard going of late as they continue to wrestle with the week-to-week challenges of the Betfred Championship.

Gary Thornton's side sit 13th in the table with four wins from their 11 league games and, heading into Saturday's home game against a high-flying Newcastle Thunder side, Boyd has challenged his team-mates to continue raising their levels. 

He said: "At the start of the year we were strong, but we just can’t seem to keep that consistency in our performance. 

"It’s quite frustrating sometimes, because when we all show up with ours heads fully screwed on, we show our true potential and give the top teams in the division a good run. 

"I’m confident with the group of lads we have that we can turn the screw and start putting together more consistent displays.

"All the lads know that what we served up in our last game against Dewsbury wasn't good enough. We know we are so much better than what we showed on Sunday, and that's why we need to get back to doing the basics right.

"If we do that, I'm confident we'll stand a good chance this weekend and give Newcastle a run for their money."

Boyd, who arrived at the club during the off-season, has been one of the standout performers during the early months of the season. 

He currently tops the Hornets scoring charts with 10 tries, and hopes to continue growing in stature as the campaign progresses.

Boyd added: "My time at Rochdale has been great but different. Going into a new environment, I didn’t know what to expect.

"But I must say the lads and everyone involved have made me feel more than welcome. I'm just happy to be getting the game time, and the tries come as a bonus."