Kingstone Press Championship Preview: Rochdale Hornets v Sheffield Eagles

Rochdale Hornets coach Ian Talbot has challenged his players to finish the season well – despite the club’s relegation already being confirmed.

Talbot said: “It’s been a long season, and a real learning curve after our promotion.

“The squad’s busted and depleted, so it’s just a matter of getting a team out there and giving it our best shot. We want to finish outside of the bottom two.”

He added: “We’re trying to consolidate where we’re at and what we’ve got, and if we can just make a few additions we could have a strong squad next season – but it’s also going to be a lot tougher division than the last time we were in it.”

Sheffield Eagles coach Mark Aston is aiming for a sixth successive win as his side approach the play-offs.

Eagles have not lost since a home defeat against Batley Bulldogs in July.

Aston said: “We always try to improve as the season goes on, and we seem to have found a little bit of consistency which has been lacking throughout the season.”