Hornets considering playing on Saturdays

Rochdale Hornets Coach Ian Talbot

Hornets head coach Ian Talbot has highlighted recovery and family time as his key driver for considering Saturday fixtures in 2015.

Talbot says Saturday fixtures will give Hornets an extra day of rest from a home game leading into the following week.

Hornets train Tuesday evenings and when they get into their rhythm the players are turning up Tuesday still battered and bruised from the Sunday game, having finished playing on Sunday evening and gone straight into work the next day.

It limits what can be done in training to some extent, so Saturdays are worth considering, as it may give a competitive edge.

A lot of the players now have young families as well. Sunday games mean that there is little time to spend with families, as Friday and Saturday evenings are quiet time ahead of Sunday’s game and Sunday evenings the players are getting ready to go back to work.

Allowing the squad to spend more time with their families will give Hornets the edge over other teams when signing players and it will also mean the players are happier in general.

Coach Talbot said: "I understand change is difficult for some and there are other factors to consider, such as stadium availability and Mayfield and Cobras also playing Saturdays, but I think it is definitely worth a serious debate amongst members and making a decision on what is best for the entire club, including players and supporters, both current and potential." 

Chief Executive Ryan Bradley added: “I’ve spoken to the RFL and it is up to us what day and time we play our fixtures. Our opposition only need to agree should we wish to play on a week day.

"The Stadium Company have also been notified of our intention and we will ask the RFL to put our home fixtures on the dates the Dale are away, which is what we try to do anyway, so there won't be many clashes there.

"The decision will be made by the members and between now and the next members meeting there is a chance to weigh up the options and consider what we do in the best interests of the club going forward."

It is planned that all of the key points be summarised ahead of the meeting and following a debate a vote is held.

If you wish your voice to be heard email info@hornetsrugbyleague.com