Preview: Rochdale Hornets v Keighley Cougars

The latest preview for this weekend's League 1 opener for Rochdale Hornets.

Rochdale Hornets kick-start their new League 1 adventure against Keighley Cougars at the Crown Oil Arena this Sunday.

Here’s the latest preview…

FORM GUIDE

During pre-season, Matt Calland’s side claimed the Law Cup with a 18-12 victory over Oldham at the Crown Oil Arena, while the side have progressed to the fifth round of the Coral Challenge Cup with wins over York Acorn and the British Army respectively.

Hornets had a bye in the league last weekend, and this weekend will be the first League 1 fixture of the season.

Keighley Cougars were unbeaten in pre-season, including wins over Dewsbury Rams and Sheffield Eagles, but suffered Challenge Cup defeat to 12-man Newcastle Thunder.

Rhys Lovegrove’s side opened their League 1 campaign away to Workington Town, suffering a 24-6 loss. Jack Coventry scoring the only try for the Cougars.

HEAD TO HEAD

The two sides last met in the 2016 League 1 season, with Hornets claiming a 42-28 victory at the Crown Oil Arena.

The win was our third on the spin, and moved the team back to second in the table in the penultimate game of the regular season.

Tries from James Tilley, Benjamin Jullien (2), Wayne English, Dale Bloomfield, Jono Smith, Ben Moores on the day, while Paul Crook kicked seven from nine.

TEAM NEWS

Latest signing Martyn Ridyard, who joins the club on loan from Championship outfit Leigh Centurions, is set to make his debut, alongside Brad Holroyd who also made the move from the Centurions. 

Captain Sean Penkywicz also returns to action.

HORNETS: Freeman, Calland, Bloomfield, L.Sheridan, Marriott, Penkywicz, Hesketh, Syme, Tracey, Lea, D.Sheridan, Fowden, Ogden, Whalley, Moores, Nixon, Whitehead, Ridyard, Holroyd, Higginson, Hopkins.

TICKET NEWS

Tickets are available at the Crown Oil Arena this Sunday.

Adults - £16

Concessions - 14

Under 16s - £5

The club shop will also be open for the latest merchandise. 

Main Match Sponsor

AAA Pest Control are the Main Match Sponsors for this Sunday. Click here to find out more.