Jordan Andrade looks ahead to Oldham showdown in 1895 Cup

Rochdale Hornets front-rower Jordan Andrade says the club will visit Oldham and play without fear this weekend, with the two local rivals facing off in the first round of the 1895 Cup.

The Hornets reached Round 1 after wins against Cornwall and Swinton Lions, but their next opponents will likely be a much sterner proposition. 

Oldham's squad was boosted during the off-season by a number of high-profile signings which, in the eyes of Andrade, will give the Hornets an opportunity to test themselves against the very best from the division above. 

"It's good for the club facing Oldham," he said.

"I know it's not our main focus, but it's always a fantastic atmosphere against them and it's good to test ourselves against quality opposition. 

"We'll get more out of playing someone like Oldham than we would against a lesser team, so the lads will be excited for the challenge.

"It gives us a bit of a free hit, to try things out against a good opponent without fear of dropping points in the league. 

"The league is our top priority, in my opinion, and we're in a good position as a group to achieve the aims we set out at the beginning of the year."

The Hornets' start to the season has been an excellent one, with 44 unanswered points scored against Keighley Cougars on the opening weekend of the Betfred League 1 campaign.

Andrade was one of those scorers - adding to his try against Oldham in their pre-season Law Cup bout - and he says plenty of confidence can be taken from their opening-round display at the Crown Oil Arena. 

"It was a good performance from us, and we didn't give them any chance to breathe," the Jamaica international added.

"On paper they had a very strong side, but we didn't let them find their rhythm and ended up taking control.

"During pre-season, we spoke a lot about wanting to put on a show at home. We were at our best, and I'd go as far as saying it was the best 80-minute performance since I joined the club."