Lewis Else: Consistency the key for us

While admitting that his side have been their own worst enemy at times this season, Rochdale Hornets half-back Lewis Else says the squad have belief that they can turn winning into a consistent habit.

With seven games played, the Hornets find themselves seventh in the Betfred League 1 table, four points behind leaders North Wales Crusaders. 

But with none of the division's top sides pulling clear in the early weeks of the season, it has become apparent that two or three positive results could see teams rise up the table quickly.

This weekend, Gary Thornton's men host Newcastle Thunder, who have endured a difficult start to the year having lost their opening seven league matches.

The Hornets come into Sunday's game at the Crown Oil Arena as favourites to win - something which cannot affect their matchday performance, insists Else.

He said: "I think we’ve been our own worst enemy. At times we've gifted teams chances, but when we’re good, we’re good. It’s about getting that consistent performance week in, week out, and that’s something we’re working on. 

"We’ve seen in the league already that anyone can beat anyone, so if you don’t turn up with the right attitude, you're going to get turned over. 

"We aimed to be in the top four when we discussed objectives during pre-season, and we’re excited for the challenge to get there.

"We’re not going to take any team lightly, and there's a clear feeling that we need to put things right after the defeat to Midlands.

"It's all about building some momentum going into the second half of the season, to ensure we can challenge at the top of the division."

For the Hornets, Sunday marks their final home game for more than two months, with their next outing at the Crown Oil Arena coming against Whitehaven at the start of August. 

Five successive away games will take place in the intervening period, and Else - crowned Betfred League 1 Player of the Year in 2024 - knows that the squad need to play with the right attitude against Newcastle, in order to lay the foundations for an improved run of results. 

"Being truthful, we’re disappointed that we haven’t taken full advantage of our home fixtures," he added.

"Attitude goes a long way, especially with these really important away games coming up which will be vital for how our season shapes up.

"We’re determined to play the way we know we can and provide our supporters with some enjoyable rugby. I’ve no doubt that they will be with us, home or away, and cannot thank them enough."