PROUD Hornets coach Darren Shaw is hoping the character his players showed against the Giants will be taken into their Championship I campaign.

Rochdale fought back from a 32-0 deficit early in the second half to finally lose 38-12.

Many neutrals were expecting the margin to be far greater, with the Hornets bottom of the Championship I table.

But Shaw believes his club can start to catch the teams above them if they can reproduce the form they showed against the Super League side.

“The effort was absolutely fantastic,” said Shaw.

“The character we showed was immense.

“In the first half we let ourselves down and may be gave them too much respect.

“But the second half was outstanding. Our completion rate increased and we asked some questions.

“There were a load of positives for us and we’ve got to build on these in the League.

“If we do, then we could make a very positive impression.”