Jonny Openshaw: There's room for improvement this weekend

While pleased to return to winning ways last time out, Rochdale Hornets hooker Jonny Openshaw believes there is still lots of room for improvement within the squad.

The Hornets picked up a fourth league win of the season at the start of the month, running out 56-24 winners at home to Cornwall in the club's first-ever Superhero Day. 

That result saw Gary Thornton's men rise to fourth in the Betfred League 1 table, level on points with this Sunday's opponents Workington Town. 

Workington got the better of the Hornets at the Fibrus Community Stadium back in Round 4, winning 32-22, and Openshaw - who featured in that defeat - insists his side must brush up on areas of their game to avoid a repeat performance and result. 

"It was nice to get the win [against Cornwall], but there’s always room for improvement and it’s important that we take the things we have worked hard on in training into this weekend. 

"We were disappointed with the previous result against Workington, and I feel that it’s a must-win game for us this Sunday.

"Last time we played Workington, we started slowly and that allowed them get some points on the board early. 

"If we set the tone from the start, we will make life a lot easier for ourselves. We have a lot of our key players back from injury that we didn’t have last time as well, so I believe it will be a totally different game."

Having been plagued by injury over the last year, Openshaw is starting to find his feet at Betfred League 1 level again.

Currently vying with Aiden Roden for the starting hooker berth, he is determined to take his game to the next level after finding a new home at the Hornets ahead of the 2024 campaign.

"I'm really happy at Rochdale," the former Folly Lane amateur added.

"All the lads and staff have welcomed me since joining. They've created a good atmosphere which then leads into better performances on the pitch. 

"It’s good to put the last 14 months behind me as well and get back playing regular rugby, which I’ve not had in a long time.

"I’m improving every week and feel like I can reach another level heading towards the back end of the season."