Undoubtedly, Hornets will go there brimming with confidence on the back of last week’s demolition of Hull KR, which should give the travelling faithful something to get their vocal chords into.

Whitehaven, on the other hand, will be disappointed in last week’s surprise defeat at Featherstone. Reminiscent of last season’s ‘travel sickness’ syndrome, ‘Haven never really got to grips with Fev’s all-for-one approach. And Steve McCormack was understandably under-awed by his team’s showing. “We didn’t turn up for the whole of the fist half.” he said “... (Rovers’) defence was superb - they knew it was a big game and they responded accordingly. David Seeds and David Fatialofa put their bodies on the line while the rest of the team seemed to stand and watch. We’ve been given a timely reality check.”

Indeed, Whitehaven started this season like a train. Hard to beat away, almost impossible to beat at home and chucking in a superb televised performance against Warrington for good measure, they remain good value for their 3rd place in NL1 at the moment, despite the odd hiccup. Interestingly, McCormack’s name has been bandied around in relation to the vacancy at Widnes - and with his predecessor going on to make the grade in Super League, there’s no doubt that eyes are cast towards the Recre’ as a proving ground for quality coaches.

As we saw earlier in the season, Whitehaven have a direct, hardworking side that keeps coming at you. With the vision, pace and cheek of Sam Obst at scrum half, the big pack gets lots of running options, whilst the backline is a straight-running, no-nonsense unit that capitalises on half chances and punishes mistakes.

It’s a backline shorn of ex-Hornet Mick Nanyn, though, who’s out for the month with a broken cheekbone. In his absence, there may be an opportunity for new signing Craig Calvert - who came second in the ‘fastest man in League’ competition last week. Calvert - like many at the Recre’ - came out of the local amateur scene and with pace to burn will be wanting to make an impact.

Puns aside, the Hornets camp has been buzzing this week after the Hull KR win. A high-octane performance big on passion has sent a hugely positive jolt through the club.

The sheer passion and determination of this Hornets side was there for all to see last week - repaid by a great effort from the fans too who gave it everything for a lung-busting 80 minutes.

One would imagine that Bobbie will be looking to maintain pretty much the same line-up with a view to gaining the momentum we need for the remaining games. But the one thing we have in our favour - as last week proved - we have nothing to fear and nothing to lose. Liberated from the pressure of expectation, Bobbie Goulding’s World Famous Rochdale Hornets can go to Whitehaven and give it a real go. And it should be well worth the trip.

Funding the overnight stay from their own pockets is just one manifestation of the commitment that these lads have to the cause - and we would do well to reciprocate. So, unless you have a really good excuse, pile three of your mates into the car and join us for what should be a great club day out in Cumbria. This Hornets team proved last week that they are deserving of the best support we can give them - so let’s get as many as we can up to the Recre’ and show them that it matters to us too.

You’ll regret it if you don’t go. Come on - it’ll be a cracker.