Rochdale Hornets centre Dave Cookson calls time on career

Rochdale Hornets centre Dave Cookson has called time on his career after an ongoing shoulder problem and a change in personal circumstances.

The imminent arrival of a baby, coupled with his injury struggles and work commitments have forced Rochdale-born Cookson to hang up his boots.

Head coach Alan Kilshaw has left the door open for him though if he considers a return, and will be holding on to his registration.

Kilshaw said: “Dave’s shoulder hasn’t healed as quickly as he would have wanted and he has a new baby on the way and work commitments to meet.

“It’s disappointing because he’s a really decent bloke who loves playing for the club.

“He’s a Rochdale lad and his mum and dad watch us home and away, even when he isn’t playing.

“We’ll hold on to his registration, and he doesn’t want to play anywhere else, it isn’t about that.”

Cookson joined the club at the start of the successful 2016 promotion campaign and never lost in a Hornets shirt, featuring in the promotion final in France where Hornets completed a brilliant comeback.

The Rochdale coach is disappointed to be losing a strong, striking centre, but isn’t in a hurry to bring in a replacement just yet.

He said: “We’re not thinking about a replacement at the moment, although the option is there.

“We’ll review everything post Easter to see if we’re short. We’ve had Warrington players available that we haven’t used and we’re quite strong at centre.”