Duo set for Hornets return

Fifth-placed Rochdale Hornets could be boosted by the return of Steve McDermott and Tony Stewart for the visit of Barrow Raiders.

Dave Newton and Chris Baines are also believed to be pushing for inclusion, but Stephen Bannister is struggling with a rib injury and Danny Ekis is unavailable due to personal commitments.

Raiders coach Darren Holt is still waiting to discover whether his dual-registered players will be available for Sunday's trip to Spotland.

But Holt confirmed his side suffered no new injuries during last week's 48-34 loss against Workington.

Holt said: "We were well beaten. It was a disappointing performance from the boys, and they know it. Workington turned up and performed better.

"I've no qualms about the result. Our defence was poor, especially on the edges out wide."

Holt expects Rochdale to come out firing following recent events at the club.

He said: "They could be down in the dumps, but usually when changes happen you get a good reaction from players.

"Spotland is never an easy place to go. I've never had an easy game there in my career and I don't expect anything different this week."