Hornets: Kilshaw hits out at criticism of team

Alan Kilshaw, head coach of Rochdale Hornets

Rochdale Hornets head coach Alan Kilshaw has responded to criticism of his players with a strong show of support, as on two separate occasions they have come under fire from opposition coaches.

In their win over Bradford Bulls, Geoff Toovey claimed that stoppages in play suited the Hornets and had an impact on their victory over Bradford.

On Sunday, Matt Diskin told BBC Radio Leeds that he felt Hornets ‘went out to spoil the game’ and the scrappy nature of the contest was solely down to Hornets

Kilshaw was left angered by both sets of comments and has broken his silence on the matter.

He said: "I am really disappointed as two weeks running coaches have chosen to criticise my players, implying we are slowing games down on purpose.

“This Sunday the longest stoppage in the game was for a Batley player who had been knocked out, which rightly so deserved attention and the correct protocol was followed.

“A small stoppage in the first half was when Gary Middlehurst had to change his shirt and be strapped up because of a cut.

“If the match officials need to speak to both teams and stop the game we don't have an impact on that, that's the duty of both sets of players to be disciplined.”

He made no attempt to hide the fact that Hornets are aggressive, however they also attempt to put the ball through hands and play attractive rugby league.

The criticism is something Kilshaw feels stems from last year’s Promotion Final victory over Toulouse Olympique.

He added: “We are no angels, we play an aggressive brand of rugby league but we also play entertaining football.

“I would prefer people to get their own house in order before attacking my players with false statements.

“If we are the only team to try and disrupt the other teams and stop them playing then rugby league must have changed.

“This unfair label has come after the final last season when again excuses were made from the opposition instead of giving credit where it is due.

“My main concern is we are now getting an unfair reputation and it's tarnishing the club's achievements. Other coaches are using this and trying to influence referees and touch judges’ decisions.

“I will always back my players but we will also put our hand up if we have done things wrong. On both these occasions I feel the criticism from both Geoff and Matt has no substance and is disappointing."