Kingstone Press League 1 Preview: Rochdale Hornets v London Skolars

Sixth-placed Rochdale Hornets lost 46-28 at Barrow Raiders last week, which leaves their play-off hopes hanging by a thread.

Coach Ian Talbot said: “We showed the Jekyll and Hyde that our team are all about. We were very good at the start and at the end – it was just the middle 40 when we got blown away. We just drifted away from the plan and what was working.

“We got ourselves a healthy lead and it would have been a little bit more had we not dropped the ball over the line; but it wasn’t to be. Credit where credit’s due, Barrow were excellent on the night.”

Regarding the play-offs he said: “I think it’s over now if we’re honest with ourselves but we have to go and get a result and finish the season on a high.

“London Skolars have got some great players, the development down there has been good over the last few years. I think they have made great strides and now they’re picking up a little bit of form.

“There are a few players in the team who have been around the Broncos set-up for a while, they’ve got some quality players.”

Rochdale will be without centre Mike Ratu, who dislocated his shoulder last week.