MATCH PREVIEW: vs Widnes Vikings – Pre-season

Rochdale Hornets take to the field on Sunday against Widnes Vikings of the Betfred Championship in a pre-season friendly.

It will be the first time since September that Hornets supporters will see their side in action, and the chance to see a number of head coach Gary Thornton’s new players.  

Overview

Game: Widnes Vikings v Rochdale Hornets

Competition: Pre-season

Date: Sunday 15 January

Kick-off: 15:00

Venue: DCBL Stadium

ROCHDALE HORNETS

The Hornets come into the game off the back of a strong winter pre-season training, and with a host of new players joining the squad.  

2023 is due to be an interesting campaign for Thornton and his side, which starts this weekend with a tough test against Championship opposition. 

With all the new players in the ranks and a fresh outlook after a 5th placed finish in League One in 2022, the Hornets are going to tackle this season head-on. 

WIDNES VIKINGS

Cheshire-based Widnes are set to compete in the Championship for a fifth season since their relegation from Super League in 2018. 

Last season under head coach John Kear, Vikings missed out on the play-offs by 12 points after finishing 7th in the table. 

Widnes have added to their squad; signing former St Helens forward Kyle Amor, experienced winger Kieran Dixon and ex Batley Bulldogs halfback Tom Gilmore. 

LAST TIME OUT

Hornets last met Vikings in 2019, in a Championship match in which Widnes ran out 40-12 winners on home soil. Kevin Brown and Callum Marriott scored Rochdale's tries. 

Pre-season friendlies are always different, and both teams will be using Sunday's meeting to build match fitness and continue to develop playing styles.

SUMMARY OF NEW SIGNINGS

Nixon, Killan, Purcell, Connolly, Swarbrick, Boardman, Berry, O’Hanlon, Roden, Straugheir, Aspey, Tyrer, Hewitt, Braham, Cooke, Blackwood, Else, Brewin, Donnelly, Harrison, Clarke, Haynes, O’Keefe, Arnold & Brannan, Porter, Green, Badham.

In November Rochdale announced a Dual Registration Agreement with Widnes, which will see all Vikings players registered with Hornets making them eligible to play and train for either side. 

Sunday acts as an opportunity for Thornton and his coaching staff to take a look at Widnes players, with the potential of some wearing a Hornets shirt in 2023. 

TICKETING INFORMATION

Tickets for Sunday's game can be bought online here, until 3pm, or you can purchase them on the day at the Widnes match-day shop from 1pm. 

Widnes have advised away supporters to purchase tickets in the South Stand Block H.