Rochdale team ready for the challenge

Re-united Rochdale Town Team members are preparing for their upcoming clash with the Great Britain and Ireland Students next weekend.

The players are drawn from all the clubs within the borough, whilst their opponents were chosen from the Student Rugby League (SRL) Four Nations and the England Colleges team.

It will be a chance for the Rochdale team to showcase themselves on a bigger stage than normal and Head Coach Chris Hough said he and his players are positive about the tough test ahead.

He said: “You can see it in the lads eyes that they really want this game.

“The Lions will be a really strong, fit and well drilled team, but we hope that our lads pride in the town will show through.”

The Lions will use the game as a warm-up for their two-match test series against Australian Universities in December, the squad for which has already been finalised by Head Coach Paul Fletcher.

Matt Jeffery, SRL Manager, said: “The 20 on show against Rochdale is what we consider to be our strongest team after the training camps and we are hoping for a tough match played in the right manner.”

The game is especially significant for Lions player Jack Sampson of Leeds Met, who is hoping to play against his home town club.

The game kicks off at 4pm on Sunday 31 October at Castleton Sports Centre on Keswick Street.

Entry is £2 for adults, £1 with NUS and free for under-16s.

A donation will be made from any profits to the Mayor of Rochdale’s Charity.