Martyn Ridyard and Brad Holroyd join Rochdale Hornets on loan

Rochdale Hornets has announced the signings of Martyn Ridyard and Brad Holroyd on loan from Leigh Centurions.

Ridyard, 33, became only the third player in history to score 2,000 points for Leigh, and has scored 80 tries in over 250 appearances for the club.

He returned to Leigh from Featherstone last season, and helped the club secure a top-five finish, passing a century of goals for the sixth season in his career.

The exciting play-maker is also enjoying a testimonial year, with a fixture earlier in the year against Leigh Miners Rangers, with Leigh legends coming out of retirement to feature.

Incoming chairman Andy Mazey said: "It's no secret that Matt Calland has been keen to bring in an experienced half-back and we have been scouring the market for some time. I'm therefore delighted to secure Martyn's services, a player who was right at the top of Matt's wish list.

"The last high profile half-back with a phenomenal points scoring record form Leigh I remember representing Hornets with distinction was none other than the great John Woods. I believe this move demonstrates our ambition to build on the positive vibes around the club and town at the moment and should hopefully help get some bums on seats and excite our fans.

"Martyn has consistently been the best half-back in the Championship for the past ten years, so it's a huge boost to have him with us as we prepare to launch our League One campaign.

"Martyn is currently enjoying a well-deserved testimonial year and I'm certain the Hornets family will get behind the Leigh public in supporting events throughout the remainder of the year as will Derek Beaumont, myself and our respective club boards.

"I'd like to place on record our thanks to Derek, Neil Jukes and John Duffy for working with us to reach an agreement that works for all parties.

"Welcome Riddy!"

Ridyard will be sponsored by Principal Energy Solutions in 2020. 

"PES are delighted to sponsor Martyn whilst on loan at Rochdale Hornets," said Peter Smith, director of PES.

"Martyn is a talented player with a wealth of experience and we're all looking forward to seeing him in the red, white and blue."

Brad Holroyd is a former England Lions under 19s international, and can cover both the wing and full-back. As a teenager, he represented Lancashire under 19s in the Three Counties Championship.

He signed a professional contract from Leigh East in January, and scored on his debut in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup victory over Workington Town.

On the two new additions, head coach Matt Calland said: "We have been looking for a quality half-back for some time now and to get Martyn Ridyard is a real coup for the club.

"I am also delighted to bring in young prospect Brad Holroyd.

"Massive credit must go to Andy Mazey for sorting this deal out."