Rugby league: Rochdale Hornets sign Jack Higginson

Centre Jack Higginson has signed to Rochdale Hornets ahead of the 2020 season. 

Matt Calland has snared the Rochdale-born player following his departure from Leigh Centurions to bolster Hornets' back line options. 

Higginson, 22, played as a junior at Rochdale Mayfield before being snapped up by Wigan Warriors where he went on to appear in the first team. 

He also enjoyed a loan spell at the Crown Oil Arena in 2019 where he scored one try in three appearances. 

An Ireland international, Higginson featured in the 2018 European Championship, and has also spent time on loan at Swinton and Workington

Hornets head coach, Matt Calland said: “Jack just fits the bill for what sort of player we’re looking for. 

“Young, tough and willing to work hard.” 

Calland went on to praise Higginson’s resilience after battling injuries early in his career.

He said: “He’s a Rochdale lad, too and has come through the system at Wigan. He’s been really unlucky with injuries but he’s keen to have a good season and get back to full fitness.

“He has a good turn of pace and a great kicking game.” 

Higginson almost decided to hang up his boots following a frustrating 2019 but admitted he’s not looked back since entering the fold. 

“After originally calling it a day last year, I felt a little bored and had too much time on my hands. After a lot of poking from a few of my mates here, I eventually started training with the boys and to be honest, I haven’t looked back. 

“I’ve started enjoying rugby again and feel much more confident with my shoulder which I’ve had a bit of trouble with.

“Being from Rochdale myself, I’m looking forward to playing with some of my best mates again who I played with at Mayfield. There’s a buzz around the group from what I’ve seen, and we have a really good, local group. 

“We could do something this year and help us get back to the Championship where we belong.”