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BEN FORSTER: WE NEED TO BUILD ON NEWCASTLE WIN Rochdale Hornets forward Ben Forster insists last weekend's emphatic 68-4 victory over Newcastle Thunder will count for little if they fail to back it up at North Wales Crusaders this Sunday. The Hornets returned to winning ways and climbed to fifth in the table after running in 12 tries against Thunder at the Crown Oil Arena. Next up, they travel to Colwyn Bay to face a North Wales side that have won three of their opening four league games this season - the only defeat coming last time out away at unbeaten Keighley Cougars by a scoreline of 22-6. North Wales also reached the Betfred League 1 promotion play-off final last season, and Forster is wary of the difficultly facing them at Stadiwm CSM in Round 6. "We need to back up the performance against Newcastle and build on what we did last weekend," he said. "It's a tough place to go and they're going well. It's a massive game for us, and we need to get the win." Forster put in a Man of the Match display against Newcastle last time out as the Hornets ran riot to collect their first home league win of the 2024 campaign. Despite not adding his name to the scoresheet, the 23-year-old was delighted with the collective effort of his side's performance. "I think we needed that as a group," he added. "We've struggled for the last three weeks, so we had a big week in training [ahead of the Newcastle game] and ramped up the intensity. "I think it's my first one [Man of the Match] since being here too! It's always nice, but I didn't expect it. "I would've liked [to get a try], but setting them up is just as good for me - I always want to be a team player." Join us on Sunday 5 May as we celebrate our Superhero Day against Cornwall - adult tickets cost £10, and kids go FREE!

COUNTDOWN CONTINUES AHEAD OF HORNETS SUPERHERO DAY Rochdale Hornets will host their first-ever Superhero Day for the visit of Cornwall on Sunday 5 May. Superhero Day is a new themed event for rugby league, and the Hornets will embrace the superhero world in and around the stadium leading up to the match, with plenty of initiatives for the whole family. Supporters are encouraged to embrace the day and get involved, with prizes to be awarded for the best fancy dress on display at the Crown Oil Arena. The Hornets will also be holding superhero-themed activities on the day of the game in their newly-launched kids area, Hooper’s Hive. Under 16s can take advantage of free admission to the Round 8 fixture, while adult tickets are priced at just £10. After the fixture itself, a Bingo Night and Play Your Cards Right, hosted by All Hornets Supporters Association, will be held at the stadium. On the pitch the Hornets have started the season indifferently, with victories against Midlands Hurricanes and Newcastle Thunder to show from the opening five rounds of the season. Ahead of next month’s Superhero Day, they will visit Colwyn Bay to take on North Wales Crusaders this coming Sunday, April 21, before returning home with a game against Keighley Cougars to round off April’s fixtures. The Hornets’ Round 7 clash with the Cougars will allow the club to celebrate real-life superheroes as part of Blue Light Day, which returns for 2024 following successful engagement with representatives from Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service earlier this year. The club will be inviting representatives from the local emergency services to attend the game, as thanks for their continued efforts. Speaking ahead of the Hornets’ Superhero Day, general manager Matt Rigby said: “Superhero Day isn't just about capes and masks; it's about embracing the heroic spirit within all of us. “We're thrilled to pioneer this ground-breaking event in the sport, where fans of all ages can unleash their inner superhero. From thrilling competitions to interactive exhibits, Superhero Day is more than just a game; it's a rallying cry for our community to come together, celebrate their strength and make a positive impact. “We believe in the power of sport to unite and inspire, and Superhero Day is our way of engaging with the community on a whole new level, like never before. “Keep your eyes peeled on social media for some very exciting announcements from Premier Kia and the Hornets Sporting Foundation.” Tickets for Rochdale Hornets' Superhero Day clash with Cornwall on Sunday 5 May can be purchased by visiting: https://www.hornetsrugbyleague...

GARY THORNTON PLEASED WITH PROFESSIONAL DISPLAY AGAINST NEWCASTLE THUNDER Rochdale Hornets head coach Gary Thornton has praised his players for the level of performance they produced throughout Sunday's 68-4 victory at home to Newcastle Thunder. The Hornets returned to winning ways and climbed to fifth in the table after running in 12 tries at the Crown Oil Arena. Ben Blackmore, featuring as part of the club's dual-registration agreement with Bradford Bulls, found himself on the scoresheet while half-back Lewis Else also marked his return from injury with a hat-trick. Reflecting on the Hornets' display post-match, Thornton was pleased to see a smarter all-round display from his players after the disappointment of their Round 4 loss at Workington Town. "I'm delighted with the win, but more so with the performance," he said. "We've not been great in the last few weeks and I was a bit disappointed up in Workington, but defensively [today] we were solid, our line speed was good and we scored some nice tries off the back of it. "It was a good 80-minute performance which I have been asking for for a while, and it gets us back on track a little bit." Else was one of a number of fresh faces who Thornton was able to call upon, with half-back partner Martyn Ridyard also returning from an injury which has kept him out since Round 1. There was fresh impetus in the pack too, with Liam Bent making his Hornets debut after signing on a four-week loan from Widnes Vikings ahead of the game. "I don't like making excuses, but it has been difficult. Without the spine of the team there, it's been a tough period for us," the Hornets boss added. "Today you could see the difference that having two half-backs makes to a team - especially two as good as Riddy and Elsey. "They were very good today - Riddy with his control of the game and carrying out the game plan, and then Elsey with his explosive pace. "It gave everybody a lift really. It's good to have them back and get them through the game injury-free." The Hornets will now look to curb successive defeats on the road when they travel to North Wales Crusaders next Sunday. Tickets for the Round 6 clash at Stadiwm CSM can be bought here.

I think Oldham and Keighley are away over the hills this year, different levels of spend and quality. Outside of those two I've seen nothing a near fully fit and firing Hornets cant beat and think the 3rd and 4th spots are attainable this year with a bit better luck and a decent run of form. Big game in Wales now Sunday. Tough place to go and wont be easy, but hopefully Hornets can build on yesterdays performance with some key players back.

HORNETS SIGN WIDNES VIKINGS FORWARD ON LOAN Rochdale Hornets have brought in Widnes Vikings utility forward Liam Bent on an initial four-week loan. Bent, who is currently in his third season with the Vikings, has been brought in to bolster the Hornets pack and goes straight into contention to face Newcastle Thunder this Sunday. The 26-year-old spent time in Salford’s academy earlier in his career before going on to join North Wales Crusaders and Oldham on loan. Bent would go on to secure a permanent move to Oldham and made just short of 100 appearances for the Roughyeds over a five-season spell, helping the club secure promotion to the Betfred Championship in 2019. He joined the Vikings ahead of the 2022 season and has made 28 appearances for the club to date. However, just one of Bent’s three appearances in 2024 has been from the start - that match being a 50-16 victory over Doncaster in the third round of the Betfred Challenge Cup in February. The tough-tackling forward, who is capable of operating at loose forward or second-row, will now make the move to the Crown Oil Arena to boost his game time. He becomes the second Vikings player to link up with the Hornets on a short-term basis, following in the footsteps of outside back Lloyd Roby who joined last week on a four-week loan. Rochdale Hornets chairman Andy Mazey said: “With the Injury situation, suspensions and some inconsistencies in certain aspects, Gary was keen to address a few things and get another forward through the door. “Benty is an athletic, hard-working and experienced Championship forward who gives 100% in everything he does, and his performances are always consistent. “I’m once again grateful to Allan Coleman and Chris Hamilton over at Widnes for allowing another valuable squad member to join up with us on loan.”

NEW KICK-OFF TIME FOR NEWCASTLE THUNDER CLASH THIS SUNDAY This Sunday’s Betfred League 1 fixture between Rochdale Hornets and Newcastle Thunder will now kick off at the later time of 4pm. The fixture has been pushed back an hour from its original time slot of 3pm due to doctor availability, and we thank Newcastle for agreeing to the change. After successive league games on the road, Gary Thornton’s side will return to the Crown Oil Arena this weekend as they go in search of a second league win of the season. Having narrowly lost out in their previous home outing against Hunslet, the Hornets will be keen to turn their fortunes around on familiar turf and pick up two more competition points. Ticket information Match tickets for Sunday’s Betfred League 1 fixture are available to purchase via our online ticketing platform. Also available at our ticket office on a matchday, admission is priced as follows: Adults: £17 Concessions: £12 Students (with valid ID): £7 Juniors: FREE

On what I've seen so far id say its Oldham and Keighley 1 & 2 by some distance and budgets reflect that. Id then say Workington 3rd with hopefully us right in the mix with Hunslet, Midlands and North Wales. We will need bodies back, better luck with injuries and will need to be better than we was for much of Sundays game with ball in hand though. Good luck for the rest of the season.

Spot on, I think some people have very short memories.

Yes the entire spine of the side is missing, fullback, both halves, both hookers as well as others. Not just key positions but all our experience in McNally, Ridyard, Else, Roden/ Wilkinson. Clearly bringing in two loans a few days before the game is needs must rather than choice for our coach. I thought your guys handled the conditions better and deserved the win. We was poor on the day but with anywhere near a full side at home would be optimistic we can reverse that result as with the greatest of respect you didn't look anything special.

EMMERSON WHITTEL SETS OUT HORNETS’ AMBITIONS FOR 2024 New Rochdale Hornets recruit Emmerson Whittel is excited to be given the opportunity to play for the club, after making his debut during last weekend’s Betfred League 1 defeat at former club Oldham. The ex-Roughyeds man linked up with Gary Thornton’s side last month, having made 64 appearances across two spells for his previous club. Whilst his former side are being hotly-tipped to earn promotion from League 1 this season, the loose forward believes the Hornets can hold similar ambitions too. “As a team, we want to get promoted,” he said. “We need to take things week by week and it’ll take care of itself come the end of the season.” Whittel is one of a number of players to have made the move from Oldham to the Crown Oil Arena in recent months, and he says that the opportunity to play with some of his former team-mates was a deciding factor in joining the club. “I was talking to Riddy [Martin Ridyard] a lot while I was at Oldham. When he said he was thinking about retiring, I thought ‘I best go and play with him for one more year’!” The 29-year-old made his debut from the bench during last Sunday’s Round 3 defeat, having been named as 18th man against Hunslet seven days earlier. The Hornets will travel to Workington Town this weekend as they look to return to winning ways on their travels.

DUO JOIN HORNETS ON SHORT-TERM LOAN DEALS Rochdale Hornets have brought in two new faces ahead of Sunday’s Betfred League 1 trip to Workington Town. Widnes Vikings outside back Lloyd Roby and young Salford Red Devils half-back Kai Morgan have joined the club on emergency loan deals - Roby for four weeks and Morgan for two. Roby came through the Vikings academy and returned for his second spell at the club ahead of the 2024 season following a 12-month hiatus which saw him ply his trade for Keighley Cougars. He has made 56 appearances for the Vikings first team to date, and was recently crowned the club’s Player of the Month for February after scoring in successive games against Doncaster, North Wales Crusaders and Bradford Bulls. "It’s no secret we are doing it tough at the minute, with the entire spine of the team decimated by injuries," Rochdale Hornets chairman Andy Mazey said. "I'd therefore like to thank Allan Coleman for supporting on this one and for agreeing to loan Lloyd, who is an experienced Championship player and a player who has been going well for Widnes this year. "Lloyd is a boost for Gary and the group with the current situation in mind, and his experience will really help us through the next few weeks. "Thanks must also go to Chris Hamilton for getting this deal through so quickly, meaning Lloyd could join up with the group immediately." Half-back Morgan, the second of the club’s new recruits, began his career at amateur side Siddal before progressing through the youth ranks at Leeds Rhinos up to academy level. He joined the Red Devils ahead of the 2024 campaign and made his Betfred Super League debut in last month’s 17-10 home victory against Hull KR. Morgan will bolster the Hornets’ creative department after Lewis Else suffered an elbow injury during last weekend’s defeat at Oldham. "I’d like to thank Paul Rowley for helping us out during this difficult period and loaning us one of his first team squad and a very talented young half-back," Mazey added. "Thanks also to Ian Blease for the support on this deal.” The absence of players in key positions have forced the Hornets to turn to the loan market, and we would like to place on record our thanks to Widnes and Salford for their co-operation and support during the extenuating circumstances that we are currently facing. Head coach Gary Thornton said: “We’re doing it tough at the minute with the complete spine of the team on the sidelines injured, so it was important to get some cover in to get us through this tough period. “Big thanks to Andy for helping facilitate the loan moves for Lloyd and Kai, and also to Allan Coleman and Paul Rowley at Widnes and Salford respectively. “I’ve not known a time where I’ve lost the complete spine of the team, so we have to battle through until they are back and these loan deals will certainly help with that. “I’m expecting Aiden Roden, Martin Ridyard and Lewis Else to be back over the next couple of weeks, but Gregg McNally and Matt Wilkinson are likely to be longer term. I’m also expecting Deane Meadows and Ben Killan to be available soon to bolster our pack.”

Great news!!

Not really sure of the relevance of the traditional clubs thing but certainly take your point and agree re winning more games in general and improving our position. Hopefully once key players are back we can really start to see the best of this team. In terms of traditional clubs, North Wales are Wales only in name only and only in Wales on match days I'm told. They train in St Helens by all accounts and their players are all pretty much from traditional RL areas so hardly a development club. They have been one of the better performing League One sides now for a number of years finishing above Hornets and other traditional clubs as you call them, reaching last years grand final so hardly a push over, yet we beat them at home and narrowly lost in Chester to them last year. Midlands also only go to Midlands on a match day, have recruited a top coach in Mark Dunning ex Bradford and by all accounts are spending significantly more than Hornets and other traditional clubs this year on players primarily from traditional areas. I don't think many will have an easy day out in Birmingham this year and our opening day win could prove top be a good one. The general consensus both on here and at the game following the narrow two point loss to Hunslet was had Ridyard played we would have won on goal kicking alone. Workington is never an easy place to go and I looked at League Express and it would appear their injury situation is easing by the names that played on Saturday. They have recruited some experienced Championship talent this year in the likes of Jarrod Sammut and the big centre from Whitehaven Chris Taylor, and on Friday announced a Tongan international and Australian centre as a big double signing. I'm realistic and just hope we can get 17 bodies on the park and go and have a good dig on Sunday and you never know.

You do realise that back in 2018 the RFL central funding being was c150-175k. Following the cuts in 2021/22 Hornets receive c18-20k. Who do you think is keeping the club alive and funding shortfalls to get a competitive side on the pitch for us to watch? I wouldn't imagine experienced players like Gregg McNally and Martyn Ridyard play for nothing. Maybe one day you may post something positive on this forum, but I wont hold my breath.

Yes 20 minutes or so into his Hornets debut and if i remember rightly we had signed Rangi to replace Rob Fairclough a cracking little scrum half who had been signed on a two year contract from Swinton and snapped his ACL at Coventry a few games into his Hornets career and has never played again since.....

Agree and it must be soul destroying having navigated the well documented issues of the past 2-3 years off the pitch, and gotten on the front foot early last year to recruit some quality & experience, while doing so well to retain young prospects like Else, Roden, Nixon, Brannan etc, these injuries are threatening a promising start to the year. We can only hope for a change of luck soon as by my reckoning and going off the squad numbers on the website thats our 1/6/7/9/13 (McNally (1), Ridyard (6), Else (7), Roden (9), Boardman (13), Wilkinson (14) the entire spine of the side including not one but both hookers) all injured with Kenny Baker having had to retire. Deane Meadows (18) another notable closed season signing and experienced forward was also injured against Hunslet along with Ben Killen (17). Doing it tough but on the whole the spirt the owners, board, management and squad are showing through adversity is admirable. Once we get somewhere near a full strength side this year we will take some beating. Stick at it guys, tough times never last but tough people always do!

I'm going off what Thornton says in his post match interview on Sunday (link below). Quote- we're going to have to re-group on Wednesday, see what the situation is and hopefully put out 17 players who can compete against Oldham. https://www.hornetsrugbyleague.co.uk/article/1375/thornton-disappointed-as-hornets-dealt-first-league-defeat-of-season You would imagine we may need to call on duel reg reading that.