Preview: Rochdale Hornets v British Army

Preview for our Challenge Cup round four tie against British Army Rugby League

Rochdale Hornets will be looking to make it through to the fifth round of the Challenge Cup when they welcome the British Army to the Crown Oil Arena on Sunday.

A professional performance in round three against York Acorn saw the Hornets go through thanks to a 26-point haul by fullback Sam Freeman, who scored two tries and converted all nine tries on the day. 

The Army have already played three matches in the Challenge Cup defeating Oulton Raiders, Skirlaugh and Ince Rose and the trip to Rochdale will be their first away trip of the competition.

It is also the furthest that the Army have ever reached in the competition and they will present a strong challenge to Matt Calland's side.

Hornets league season gets underway against the Keighley Cougars on March 8, and the two games the Hornets will have played when the season kicks off will certainly be a benchmark for where they currently stand.

Calland also named off-season signing and former Toronto Wolfpack man Sean Penkywicz as captain for the 2020 season, with Andy Lea being named as vice-captain whilst fan-favourite Shaun Ainscough has been appointed as club captain.

TEAM NEWS

Daniel Nixon could be set to make his debut in the red blue and white after arriving from Oldham St Annes with Calland naming his 21 man squad.

Rochdale: Freeman, Bloomfield, Talatoka, Calland, Ainscough, L.Sheridan, Marriott, Penkywicz, Hesketh, Syme, Tracey, Lea, D.Sheridan, Fowden, Carr, Whalley, Moores, Nixon, Whitehead, Higginson, Hopkins.

SPONSOR

"We would like to thank DPP Law Solicitors, who are Main Match Sponsors for this Sunday's Coral Challenge Cup tie," said CEO Steve Kerr.

"We would like to thank David Phillips for his support for Rochdale Hornets, and it's great to see the backing from another local and nationwide business.

Follow DPP Law Solictors on Twitter, @dpp_law.

TICKET NEWS

Discounted tickets for just £5 can be purchased by anyone with an armed or emergency service ID, as well as discounted dining of just £100 for a table of four at the Crown Oil Arena, which includes a two-course meal.

Contact info@hornetsrugbyleague.com or call 01706648004 for more information.

Full price tickets are:

£15 Adults

£12 Concessions

£5 Under 16s

Free for Under 5s