Hornets head to The Shay to take on Halifax

Rochdale Hornets versus Halifax at the Crown Oil Arena in February

Rochdale Hornets return to action this Sunday as they make the short trip to The Shay to face Halifax RLFC.

It will be the second meeting of the two clubs this season, after Halifax took the spoils in the fixture at the Crown Oil Arena in February.

Hornets have lost their last eight outings, the last of which came at home to Featherstone Rovers before the break for the Challenge Cup.

Halifax’s last fixture also ended in defeat to Featherstone, as they were knocked out of the cup 24-12 in their televised Thursday night clash.

In the league they have won their last six games to put pressure on the top four - they are behind London Broncos and Toulouse Olympique on points difference only.

Injuries have affected Hornets preparations for their visit to The Shay as Gavin Bennion and Jo Taira are sidelined.

Lewis Galbraith, Ryan Maneely and Jono Smith will face late fitness tests ahead of Sunday, with the Hornets coach Alan Kilshaw likely to call on dual registration partners Warrington Wolves this weekend.