Rochdale Mayfield ARLFC Match Preview

Rochdale Mayfield face their toughest test of an already tough season when they travel to Halifax this weekend where they face undefeated Siddal. There has been a fierce rivalry between the two teams over the years with Siddal taking all the honours over the last couple of seasons.

It`s safe to say the Rochdale side have had an indifferent start to their campaign with three successive defeats, so an away trip to Siddal is hardly the fixture they would have chosen for today.

Coach Sam Butterworth is relishing the prospect of taking on the form team of the moment. "It' true we haven`t played well yet but i know it`s just a matter of time before we pull it together and Saturday could be the day.

"We have a couple of players back and new signing Joe Qaniuci should be ready for his debut. Joe is a powerful lad who loves to run with the ball as well as putting some tremendous hits in defence he is just the sort of player we have been missing so his inclusion will be a big boost to us.

"I still think we are playing well as individuals today I`m hopeful we can come together as a team”.

Coach leaves at 12.30 players meet as per pre match text.

Mayfield Alliance have their first home game as they entertain Crossfields from Warrington, Crossfields have yet to play this season so they are something of an unknown quantity.

Mayfield go into this game of the back of last weeks impressive victory over St Annes and are brimming with confidence.

Coach Ashworth said: “It`s not just the victory that impressed me it's the way the team has trained and the attitude they have shown. Things are going really well and everyone is playing for their place, especially with the Academy team doing so well. Selection will be tough today with the first team returns we should have a couple of the lads with us, but thats the coach`s job I`ll pick the best seventeen on the day and I`m confident we can turn Crossfields over”.

Players meet as per pre match text.

Due to service area call ups the Academy fixture has been postponed.

Fixtues:
NCL; Siddal v Mayfield - Kick off: 2:30pm
Alliance; Mayfield v Crossfields - Kick Off: 2.30pm