Rochdale Hornets secure two more players for 2025 season

Rochdale Hornets have secured the services of two more players for the 2025 season, with Max Flanagan signing a new 12-month deal and back-rower Zac Baker making a return to his hometown club after a year away.

Both moves signal the club’s commitment to strengthening their squad with local talent and ambition as they aim to build on a positive season.

Max Flanagan, a versatile back who joined the Hornets ahead of the 2024 campaign from Newcastle Thunder, made eight appearances for the club last season, notably scoring a try against Hunslet in March.

The 23-year-old expressed enthusiasm for his future with the Hornets, praising the support he has received and the club’s direction.

"I am delighted to be staying for another year with Rochdale,” he said. “The support from the fans, the staff and my teammates has been incredible. It was an easy decision to make because I believe in the vision and direction we’re heading. I’m excited for what the future holds and to keep giving my all for this fantastic club.”

Head coach Gary Thornton shared his satisfaction with Flanagan’s re-signing, highlighting the potential the young player brings to both full-back and pivot positions.

He said: “I’m really pleased that Max is returning for 2025,” Thornton said. “He has pace to burn and an eye for a gap, so he’s a threat in attack. I’m expecting Max to have a big impact next season, and I'm delighted he’s staying with us.”

Meanwhile, Zac Baker, a familiar face to Hornets fans, returns to the Crown Oil Arena after spending a season in the amateur ranks with Rochdale Mayfield.

 

 

The 26-year-old back-rower previously played for the Hornets across four years, a period disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and most recently featured for Oldham in 2023, where he made 17 appearances and scored five tries.

On his return, Baker said he’s eager to rejoin his former teammates and build on the momentum at the club. He said: “I’m really looking forward to coming back, and there seems to be a really good aura around the club after a positive season.

“I’ve played with a lot of the lads at the club before, so I should settle back in well. My focus now is on having a strong pre-season and then cementing my place in the squad for next year.”

Thornton is confident in what Baker will bring to the Hornets’ lineup, recognising his experience and strong defensive skills. He added: “We’re really pleased that Zac is rejoining us for 2025.

He said: “He’s a quality back-rower with plenty of experience at League 1 level. He’s tough and uncompromising in defence and runs a good line in attack, and I know he’ll be a strong addition to the squad.”

Hornets chairman Andy Mazey also welcomed Baker’s return, noting his local roots and strong performance at Oldham in 2023.

He said: “We are delighted to bring Zac Baker back for 2025.

“He’s a Rochdale lad, and another quality product of the outstanding Rochdale Mayfield club. Zac was one of Oldham’s top performers in 2023, and I’m sure he’ll add even more steel to our pack in 2025.”

With these signings, Hornets are reinforcing their roster with local talent as they look to compete strongly in the upcoming season.
 

Read more: Rochdale Hornets’ fourth new signing ahead of 2025 seasonPublished: 21 October 2024