Joe Hartley: Oldham test a good benchmark

Rochdale Hornets centre Joe Hartley believes that, despite the challenge that this Sunday’s opponents Oldham will bring, it will be a good indicator of how far they can go in Betfred League 1 this season.

The Hornets make the short trip to Boundary Park to face off against an Oldham side who many are tipping to finish near the top of the division in 2024.

Hartley joined the Hornets this season after spending three years playing for Oldham, appearing 35 times for the club. The 25-year-old also came through the ranks at the club and signed his first professional contract there in 2021.

The centre has enjoyed a good start to the current season with the Hornets, scoring three tries in the opening two rounds, including a double last weekend.

On returning to his former side, Hartley said: “It’s a game I’ve been looking forward to since the fixtures came out.

“There’s no denying how good a team they are. Oldham away will be a challenge, but near the top of the table is where we want to be, and to be the best you need to test yourselves against the best.

“It’s going to be a good challenge early doors. Hopefully we can go there and get a result, as we owe it to the fans after last Sunday.”

Gary Thornton’s Hornets were narrowly defeated 26-24 at the Crown Oil Arena by Hunslet last weekend, ending their unbeaten start after victory at Midlands Hurricanes in Round 1.

It was a game that saw the Hornets take an early lead before being pegged back by another strong League 1 side, and Hartley believes Sunday’s trip to Oldham comes at a right time as they look to bounce back quickly from that setback.

“I’m enjoying my rugby again and Gary puts a lot of confidence in me,” he added.

“The faith that he puts in us as players is massive, and that can only help us when we go into games like this Sunday. 

“Facing Oldham in the 1895 Cup group means we already know a lot about how they like to play their rugby, and I’m sure the boys will be determined to go and express themselves against one of the top sides at this level.”