Popular Hornet back in town

Former Rochdale Hornets star Gerry Byron

Former Rochdale Hornets star Gerry Byron is back in Rochdale from his native Australia.

The Australian won the first player of the season award at Hornets in his debut season in 1986/87 and won over the people of Rochdale by playing some exceptional rugby next to fellow Australian Aaron Sawyer in the two years he spent at Hornets under former managers Eric Fitzsimmons and Eric Hughes playing as a prop forward.

Byron is back and there will be an informal get together on Friday at the Flying Horse Hotel on Packer Street.

Lifetime Rochdale Hornets fan and time keeper Ray Myers has said he is very much looking forward to seeing Byron again.

"Byron wasn't only a gifted player; he was a down to earth, easy to get on with, very outgoing guy. I am really looking forward to it on Friday.

"I normally prefer New Zealanders to Australians, but Gerry is definitely an exception to that rule."

Byron is part of a rich history of oversees players that have played for the Hornets, which includes Australians, Kiwis and most notably, Fijians amongst others.

It was this rich history that has led to Rochdale being awarded the Rugby League World Cup fixture in October, a game which is now the fastest selling game outside of the final, with all four stands on sale way ahead of schedule and all hospitality packages sold out.

Ryan Bradley, CEO at Hornets, commented: "The rich history of Rochdale Hornets will be the foundation on which future success is built. As a club we recognise this and, like any club we have had our ups and downs, but we want to harvest our rich history and celebrate all that has gone before us.

"Gerry is just one of the ex players we are in contact with who, despite living on the other side of the world, still holds Hornets dear to his heart.

"Through our Heritage Project, the Rugby League World Cup and the clubs day to day operations we want to reach out to our explayers. This is an exciting time for Hornets and we don't want to leave our heritage behind."

Supporters, members and ex players are encouraged to go to the Flying Horse Hotel  to welcome Gerry back, as well as reminisce about the Hornets down the years.

The evening will be very informal, and is set to start at 7pm.