Martyn Ridyard: We need to take right attitude to Workington

Rochdale Hornets half-back Martyn Ridyard believes his side need to bring the same effort and intensity against Workington Town as they did last weekend versus Keighley if they want to bring two competition points back to Greater Manchester.

Nothing could separate the table-topping Cougars and Gary Thornton’s side last time out, with the two teams playing out an entertaining 20-20 draw.

Rochdale raced out to a 12-0 lead thanks to tries from Duane Straugheir and Dan Nixon, and even led 20-18 with 10 minutes to go before a late Jack Miller penalty levelled things up and ensured the points were shared.

The Hornets’ first draw of the season means that there are still six points off top spot and five behind second-placed Oldham. 

A point against a side who have only lost once this season may be viewed by many as a positive result, but Ridyard insists his side could’ve walked away with more.

He said: “I think that if you’d have asked us before the game if we’d take a point away at Keighley, we’d snap your hand off.

“But, we were a bit deflated after the game because we put in a lot of hard work and felt we could’ve won.

“We’re getting better each week, and that’s showing in recent performances.”

Ridyard arrived at Rochdale ahead of the 2024 season as one of the veteran players in a largely new-look group. 

The 37-year-old still picks up plenty of points with his impressive kicking game, but admits that he is also relishing the role of helping those around him to learn and improve - notably fellow half-back Lewis Else.

“My job this year is to help others with my experience and almost guide the play,” said Ridyard, who recently celebrated his 350th career appearance.

“I’m happy to be giving Lewis the freedom to do what he wants to do. If he flourishes and becomes a better player, then it makes me look good on the pitch too.

“I’m pretty happy with where the side is headed, and we can only get better if we keep going about things the right way.”

Gary Thornton’s squad are on the road again this weekend, as they take on Workington in what will be their penultimate away game of the regular season, with five of their final six during the run-in coming at the Crown Oil Arena.

The Hornets recorded their second biggest win of the season against Workington, beating them 56-12 at home in May. 

However, they did taste defeat at the Fibrus Community Stadium the month prior, and Ridyard is well aware that it will be a difficult away encounter.

“It doesn’t matter where you are in the league table, when you go up to Workington, you’re in for a right ding-dong of a game.

“You can’t go up there with 50% effort. We need a good attitude and even better determination to win.

“If we put in a good performance, then the result will take care of itself.”