Lucky 13

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Photo: Journeaux

Jubilant Hornets players after winning the play-off final

Rochdale Hornets has announced the first 13 players to re-sign for the club ahead of the 2014 Championship campaign.

Danny Davies pledged his future to the club before the play-off final and he has been followed by his right wing partner 'angry' Gaz Langley.

Championship One dream team selectee Warren Thompson joins fellow front rowers John Cookson and Chris Tyrer.

Alex Trumper, Alex McClurg and Jordan Case have all been rewarded for excellent first seasons with Hornets with one year deals.

Promising youngsters Joe Bate and Matthew Crow will again get another shot to impress, while seasoned Hornets campaigners Chris Baines, Paul Crook and Steven Roper will also once again pull on the red, white and blue.

Chief Executive, Ryan Bradley, commented: "I have met with 13 players this week, and everyone of them have re-signed.
"Ian Talbot has built up a strong family here and although we can't offer as much money as other clubs, the players want to be a part of this club.

"We have never missed a payment to a player since reforming as a co-operative, they are paid what we have promised on time with a wage slip every month and they appreciate the fact that we lay on Super League standard training facilities coupled with a world class stadium.

"They all know what we expect of them next year. It's going to be tough and they need to raise their game, but Ian is confident that with a few key signings we will get to where we want to be."

Head coach Ian Talbot is currently away in Australia, as a late addition to the St Helen's academy tour coaching team. When asked if it was a scouting mission, Bradley had this to say: "Ian will no doubt speak to some players over there and if there is someone who fits into our plans and fits within our budgets we would seriously consider them.

"We have a World Cup on our doorstep as well and I'm sure there are players there who would love to represent Hornets and put themselves in the shop window for St Helen's and the like-, who wouldn't?'

One player not re-signing for Hornets next season is former Hopwood Hall College and Halifax back row Mark Goodman.

Goodman suffered an horrific broken leg while at Halifax but broke into the Hornets first team following a stint in the under 20s this season.

"Mark is a great lad and does a lot of community coaching, league and union, in Rochdale and Oldham. His plan was always to play this year and then travel Australia. He goes with our best wishes and we hope he stays injury free and enjoys his rugby over there," commented Bradley.

Talks with other first team squad members continue, along with numerous other potential signings.