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Rochdale raring and ready to go

16/ 8/2008

ROCHDALE Rugby Union Club players and officials are raring to go for another season.

In line with his youth policy, coach Mike Gould has had the under nineteen Colts training with their first team colleagues, and the results are looking good.

Calum Mulkeen and Phil Cowburn are both making strong challenges for first team wing places after last season’s success, and other younger members are straining for first team places.

Rochdale have three players returning to the club after a short lay-off. Steve Collins is home from his university studies, Leo Freschou returns from South Africa, and Dominic Greenhalgh comes into contention after taking a gap year.

Captain Mike Bradwell will need to be on his toes, as back row places are at a premium, with last season’s captain Lee Riddle, Gareth Adams and Ross Hartley making strong bids. They are all quality players who, in view of the changes in the laws, will have their work cut out this season.

The position at prop forward is good, with Neil Sunderland, Tom Callaghan, Aide Redman and Rob Ward all in contention.

Mark Thomas and Jonny Mair are the likely centres, but with the possibility of Rochdale signing another centre Mark Thomas will most certainly be looking to revert back to his wing position.

Tom Helliwell will be in the second row boiler house, and there are a number of players who will be hoping to team up with him.

Rob Blackburn looks favourite for the fullback slot, but utility back Andy Farrer, who has looked sharp in training, could cause one or two upsets in the back division.

The pairing of Steve Collins and Darren James at halfback is a mouth-watering prospect, and if they can reach anything like the form they did when together two years ago fans are in for some spectacular rugby.

The hooker slot will be another difficult selection for the coach, with Andy O’Brien, Daniel Bamford and Dominic Greenhalgh all laying down strong markers.

Rochdale will open up the season with two trial matches. They take on two North One sides - Stockport away on Saturday 23 August, and West Hartlepool at home on Saturday 30 August.