HORNETS BOSS PAYS TRIBUTE TO GREGG MCNALLY AFTER TESTIMONIAL

Rochdale Hornets head coach Gary Thornton has lavished praise upon Gregg McNally after his try-scoring testimonial exploits against Leigh Leopards over the weekend.

The Hornets ran out 60-22 winners against a youthful Leopards side at Leigh Miners Rangers' Twist Lane on Sunday. 

McNally capped off his special day with a try shortly after half-time, and Thornton was quick to pay tribute to his number one after the full-time whistle. 

"He's brilliant because he's got that experience," the Hornets boss said. 

"If you look at his career record, it's second to none. Gregg is great in a couple of respects: one is what he offers the team, and the other is the effect he has on the players around him. 

"Having those experienced players on board has really helped us this year, and it's had a really positive effect on what we are trying to do."

The Hornets ran in a total of 12 tries against Leigh, including a hat-trick for Joe Hartley and doubles for Myles-Dalton Harrop and Connor Ratcliffe. 

Sunday's game was their final run-out before the league season begins, after the cancellation of this week's proposed Law Cup clash with Oldham. 

The Hornets begin the Betfred League 1 season with a trip to Midlands Hurricanes on Sunday 17 March, and Thornton admits several of his fringe players have pushed their way into his reckoning for selection in Round 1.

"Some boys have shown up, and I've got some selection headaches now," he added.

"We've spoken all along, even during the 1895 Cup and Challenge Cup, that it was all about preparing for Midlands in Round 1.

"We want to make sure we're in good shape ahead of that game, and this has been another useful exercise towards that goal."