Newcastle Thunder v Rochdale Hornets and the rest of League 1 this week

Newcastle Thunder v Rochdale Hornets

Rugby league finally returns to Blaydon tomorrow afternoon with Rochdale Hornets the visitors to Tyneside. Rochdale arrive on Tyneside after a week off last week, their last outing was a narrow loss to Midlands and they'll be looking to secure a victory that gives them a fighting chance of making the play-offs. They do have some catching up to do though on that front.

They name a squad including seasoned campaigner Gregg Mcnally, Dan Nixon who scored five tries when the two teams met back in May is named. The reverse fixture saw Rochdale victorious 70-6, for me this year Rochdale given their relative success last season will be frustrated with where they find themselves. Currently they're sat in sixth place having won five and lost six of their eleven games, I also think they've not been helped by the stop-start nature of the season.

To those making the journey from Rochdale, have a safe trip and we look forward to welcoming you to Blaydon tomorrow afternoon.

Thunder

I touched on the positives in last week's defeat at Swinton in that we scored some points, to those from the outside they might read that and think what's he on about? It's about supporters understanding the journey and if we can build on our attack week on week scoring points then I'm happy with that. Again, with it being a home game I want to see us come out of the blocks and make sure anyone turning up on Tyneside know they're in for a physical battle.

This is also Graham Steadman's first game as interim Head Coach, so it'll be interesting to see how the team go under his guidance. Jack Potter comes into the squad on loan from York this week having turned out for Thunder at times last season. Key men Alex Donaghy and Evan Lawther are named in the squad, hopefully they make the team this week.

There'll be a chance for people to pay tribute to Kevin Barlow prior to kick off including a shirt presentation, a true Thunder legend. I also know that North Wales fans are keen to pay their respects at our game a week on Sunday.

Also there's a community u12 festival kicking off at 12:15 with a trophy presentation at half time, it's great to see the return of events like this as the community game is a huge part of the future of the club. If you are about earlier then get down and support it. Otherwise it's a 15:00 kick off, get down and be loud and proud.

Dewsbury v Swinton

Dewsbury host Swinton in a clash which sees second place travel to fifth place. Dewsbury will be desperate for a win for to keep up the chase for a top four finish, a loss keeps a gap that will be tougher to close by the week. Swinton have been on form recently and I think they'll take the win here to maintain second place.

Goole v Keighley

Goole will be looking to do the double over a Keighley side who have found form in the second half of the season. Goole sit in seventh and Keighley in ninth in what could be a really close game if the reverse fixture is anything to go by. Goole dismantled Whitehaven last weekend and will look to build on this. As I've said previously I keep thinking Keighley will come good and on their day they are a top team in this league. I think this one will be tight but Keighley could take a victory here.

Whitehaven v Workington

The west Cumbria derby is going to be a lively occasion in West Cumbria. Whitehaven will be disappointed with their result last weekend losing to Goole. Workington on the other hand had an excellent victory over Midlands Hurricanes. Although this is third against eighth, everything goes out of the window in this derby. I expect Whitehaven will be looking to put some things right after last weekend's disappointment but Workington may have enough in what will be a fierce game.