Jack Hansen: Sheffield will be a real test

Rochdale Hornets half-back Jack Hansen says Sunday's home game against Sheffield Eagles will be a true indication of where the club is currently at.

After the disappointment of back-to-back defeats, Gary Thornton's men will look to find solace in a return to the Crown Oil Arena.

Round 6 pits them against Betfred Championship regulars Sheffield, who are one of only two sides in the division yet to taste defeat in the league this season.

"It was a really tough game last week," Hansen said.

"It's never easy going up to Whitehaven, whatever the time of year. They just played the game and kept things really simple, and we broke first. 

"It’s going be a real test this week against an established team at this level, and I think it's come at a good time for us to see where we’re at as a group after a couple of setbacks. 

"The main thing is making sure everyone does their individual jobs against tough opposition, and if we do that, we won’t go far wrong."

Sunday's game against Sheffield also sees Hansen come up against a side he represented between 2023-24, featuring 42 times in Eagles colours. 

Having arrived at the Hornets little under a month ago, the 29-year-old says he is quickly adapting to life in new surroundings, however, and is eager to help the club push towards the top end of the division in 2026. 

Looking ahead to Sunday's Round 6 clash, Hansen added: "I'm looking forward to seeing a few familiar faces. 

"You always want to perform well, whatever the game. Nothing changes with it being a former club, so I’m looking at this the same as any other fixture.

"I'm a Rochdale player now, and the first few weeks of my time here have been really good.

"I've enjoyed being around the lads and the new coaching staff. Obviously, results haven’t gone our way at times, but we’ve spoke about the reasons why, and we think they are easy fixes.

"Hopefully this week, we can put a much more solid performance together and get a result."