Titans hope to end long wait for League return

A succession of British and Irish Cup games, postponed fixtures and a brace of Championship defeats has made that 20-16 win over Moseley on December 1 feel like an eternity ago.

That was Alex Codling’s first game in charge of the club, and although he has helped the Titans produce a string of credible results in the British and Irish Cup, the bread and butter of League action is what he is determined to get his teeth into.

Today’s game at Jersey, while of equal importance to the islanders’ relegation rivals Doncaster Knights, perhaps represents Rotherham’s best chance of ending their search for a four-point haul.

“It’s always the case at this stage of the season,” said Codling.

“We’ve only actually played twice in the League during that time so it’s good to be back.

“Jersey are a tough proposition. They have won three of their last four games at home, but we went down to Plymouth recently (B&I Cup) and the boys turned in a terrific performance to get a great win, so we know we can do it.”

Rotherham landed in Jersey yesterday with the island not having suffered the same snow problems the mainland has endured. Rain, though, is another matter, with a heavy downpour forecast for overnight set to ensure the game is played on a pudding of a pitch.

“We’ve been training in the snow all week so we’re used to these conditions,” said Codling.

“It won’t affect our game plan too much, we will still try to play in certain areas where we can.”

Rotherham welcome Palepoi Nonu into the centres with Joe Elliott returning to his boyhood club in the back row. Alex Reider returns at No 8 and Garry Law comes back at fly-half.

Wharfedale’s National One game with Old Albanians has been postponed, but the National Two North games between Sheffield Tigers and Huddersfield, and Caldy and Otley are on. Hull ionians v Dudley Kingswinford is off.