Hodgson stepping in as counter to Bristol

Blackett’s men came up against an obdurate Leeds Carnegie last Sunday as they lost the Yorkshire derby and he believes his side will have to overcome that trait at the Memorial ground tomorrow if they are to thwart their promotion rivals.

“It will be a lot sterner test tomorrow,” said Blackett.

“They’ve got so many options attacking-wise, we saw that last week even in defeat against London Welsh, so this is going to be our toughest challenge defensive-wise all season. That’s been the focus this week in training.

“You also have to be clinical against these top teams, but equally we have to remember that we can be quite a good team, too.”

As well as holding firm, Rotherham also need to carry an attacking threat. With that in mind, Blackett has moved to bring in exciting young Newcastle fly-half Joel Hodgson for one game with Dallan Murphy a week away and Garry Law a month away from full fitness.

“Joel’s trained with us a couple of times and although it’s not an easy position to plug in, he’s an exciting player and we’re willing to take that risk,” said Blackett.

Leeds Carnegie full-back Stevie McColl is targeting a place in the Scotland team for the Six Nations after getting his first taste of international rugby this week.

The 25-year-old, who nearly left the club in the summer because of interest from the Premiership, was called up to Scott Johnson’s squad this week as a replacement for the injured Matt Scott.

He spent two days training with the national team before being released back to Leeds for today’s Greene King IPA Championship encounter with London Scottish.

But he learnt enough about himself, and the Scotland set-up, in those 48 hours to leave him hungry for more.

“It was a superb experience and the first time I’d been up at Murrayfield for a few years,” said the former Doncaster player.

“We were doing attack versus defence drills and it was great being involved with those players. I’m getting closer all the time and the feedback I got was encouraging. They told me to keep my form up and play hard for Leeds and if I do, they’ll keep their eye on me.

“With any luck, the next time I’m called up, it will be to play, not just to be involved with the squad.

“I have to thanks Leeds Carnegie, they’ve given me this opportunity.

“If I’d have moved in the summer I might be sat on a bench for a Premiership club, and I’d be completely out of the minds of the Scotland coaches. The decision to stay was the right one.”