Duane Straugheir: We’ve got a job to do

Rochdale Hornets captain Duane Straughier believes there were plenty of positives from last weekend to take into the club’s Betfred League 1 preliminary final clash with Hunslet.

A narrow 26-22 defeat away at Keighley Cougars in last week’s semi-final has resulted in a fourth meeting with Hunslet this season. 

Gary Thornton’s side have won the last two games, including in their qualifying play-off two weeks ago, after losing the first meeting of the campaign 26-24 at the Crown Oil Arena back in Round 2.

A loss on Sunday would signal the end of the season for the Hornets, but captain and second-rower Straugheir feels his side can be heartened by their performance at Cougar Park as they look to keep their promotion hopes alive.

The 34-year-old said: “Even though we lost the game, we can take massive pride in the fact that we went down to 12 men, lost Lewis Else to injury and only lost by four points.

“We know we’ve got a job to do this weekend, and Hunslet is our main priority. Hopefully we can have a great week against them and go again at Keighley the week after.”

With influential half-back Else forced off with a shoulder injury against Keighley, head coach Thornton could be without both of his starting halves this Sunday, with Martyn Ridyard also sidelined after picking up an injury of his own in the Hornets' 20-20 draw at Keighley back in July. 

Thornton has turned to some of his younger players, with Mackenzie Harman starting at six in recent weeks and Tom Ratchford enjoying greater minutes following Else’s first-half departure last time out.

Straugheir admits he was impressed with how the young duo performed, praising the club’s squad depth heading into a pivotal few days.

He said: “A lot of people on the outside thought that when Riddy got injured we’d be done, but Mackenzie has come in and done a great job in his absence.

“Losing someone like Elsey gives an opportunity to some of our other players, and Tom came in against Keighley, played in a position he’s not played for us yet and did a great job.

“When you factor in the versatility of players like Gregg McNally and Max Flanagan, we have so much strength in depth. When one of the lads takes a knock, there’s a chance for someone to come in, and none of the new lads have let us down.”

Straughier was also quick to commend the team spirit that has developed over the course of the season.

Following the conclusion of last week’s semi-final defeat, he gathered his players together and delivered a simple message ahead of Sunday’s rematch with Hunslet. 

“Everything we do, we do it together - win or lose,” he added.

“The team spirit and belief in this group has grown throughout the year. Sometimes losing can be a bit of a reality check, so I got everyone together and said that we’ve got a job to do now this weekend.

“Hunslet will be more determined than ever to get back at us, but if we keep doing what we’re doing, we’ll get the job done.

“We’re not taking them lightly. The crowd will get behind us, and it should be a fantastic game between two good sides.”