Rugby League: Six Hornets players set to miss trip to France

Jono Smith injury

Rochdale Hornets are set to be without six of their first team for this weekend's Championship Shield clash with Toulouse Olympique.

They travel to France for a 7pm kick-off on Saturday looking to pick up their first win of the second stage of the season.

Hornets will have to do so without some of their first choice men though, as Jono Smith is unable to take part due to sustaining a concussion in last week's defeat to Batley Bull-dogs.

Lewis Foster, who has been instrumental in the halves since joining on loan from Leigh Centurions, is sidelined with a hip injury.

Miles Greenwood's return has been pushed back due to a reoccurrence of a knee injury.

Kevin Penny has been with the squad on dual-registration from partner club Warrington Wolves and has impressed with some sensational tries out wide, but he picked up a dead leg last week and is also out of the trip to France.

Jo Taira will miss out due to visa issues.

Rob Massam has not fully recovered from his knee injury, though he is expected to be back for the Bank Holiday Monday derby clash with Oldham a week later.

Hornets coach Alan Kilshaw will be disappointed to be without so many of his key players.

Hornets will still be looking to come home with the two points, as they look to keep their top four push alive.