Fiji world cup star signs for Hornets

Ryan Millard

Rochdale Hornets have signed highly rated Ryan Millard ahead of the 2014 season.

Millard, who played stand off against England in the recent Rugby League World Cup, can also operate at centre and full back and will add a touch of class and experience to Ian Talbot's squad ahead of the 2014 Championship campaign.

Millard comes with a fantastic pedigree, he was the fourth best average metre gain player in the World Cup and was instrumental in Fiji's strong display against England, setting up Fiji's opening try.

He made his Fiji Bati debut in 2009, the same year he was voted Australian Fiji Bati Player of the year.

Millard has played for St George Illawara Dragons and Caterbury Bulldogs in the Jersey Flegg, SG Ball and NSW Cup Sides and has recently had a spell in France, where brother Daryl plays for Catalan Dragons.

Hornets Chief Executive Ryan Bradley commented: "Capturing Ryan's signature is a major coup for the club and shows our ambition for next season.

"From the moment we sat down with the interested Fijian World Cup players Ryan was the player we were really keen on.

"Tol [coach Ian Talbot] rates him very highly, as does his colleague Nathan Brown at Saints and when a few of our officials went to watch him in Hull he was fantastic.

"We have had some competition along the way from teams in our division and Super League, but the persisitance of all at Hornets, from Mark Wynn and Walter Tann who met him numerous times while he was over here and Chris Hough and Dave Ramsbottom who spent time at the Fiji training camp and even the club Chaplain, Garry Whittaker, all played there part.

"I would also like to thank the fans and members that contributed to the Kit Builder in 2013, as that money has made this signing possible.

"Ryan is a really nice lad who will work in the community alongside his playing commitments and im sure he will be a great signing for us."