Hornets to make bow on the TV

ROCHDALE’S 2019 Betfred Championship campaign will now get underway before the Sky Sports cameras after Sunday’s fixture against Dewsbury was postponed because of a frozen pitch.

Hornets welcome Toronto Wolfpack to the Crown Oil Arena next Sunday afternoon and all of the Canadian side’s games are televised this season.

Oldham’s final pre-season friendly against League 1 rivals Newcastle Thunder was also lost to the weather.

However, Leigh kicked off their season in spectacular style with a 24-16 victory over Toulouse Olympique at Leigh Sports Village.

On the back of just one official warm-up fixture, under a new coach in John Duffy and with a muchchanged squad, the Centurions powered to victory against their French visitors, a team expected to challenge for the Championship title.

After going behind in the opening stages, Leigh hit back through Jonny Pownall, Stefan Marsh and Matty Costello to take a 16-12 lead into the halftime break.

And the Centurions started the second period the stronger, extending their advantage in the shape of a Joe Cator try and Martyn Ridyard penalty.

A strong defensive effort prevented Olympique scoring more than one late try, securing a perhaps somewhat unlikely victory for Duffy’s side.

It was not such a good day at the office for Swinton, who travelled to Sheffield in their season opener.

Six first-half tries gave the home side a 30-0 lead at half-time and though Ryan Gray crossed, Sheffield continued to dominate on their way to a 64-10 victory, despite a late consolation from Billy Brickhill.