Blow as Hornets miss out on Championship
ROCHDALE will compete in Betfred League 1 next season after Newcastle Thunder were selected as the team to be elevated to the Championship.
The north-east side will occupy the spot vacated by the second-tier team promoted to Super League to replace Toronto Wolfpack, which will be announced on Monday.
Newcastle competed in the 2019 Championship play-off final but were beaten by Oldham on the day.
They were one of five teams who applied for promotion, along with Hornets, Workington Town, Barrow Raiders and Doncaster.
Despite being overlooked for the elevation, Rochdale chairman Andy Mazey took to Twitter to congratulate Thunder.
“Disappointed naturally, but everything happens for a reason I firmly believe,” said the former Swinton Lions chairman.
“Couldn’t be prouder of everyone who has contributed to our bid and we will take positives from it as it was a good exercise.”
The five-person panel who recommended Newcastle was chaired by former RFL President air commodore Dean Andrew.
He said: “Newcastle Thunder was
Couldn’t be prouder of everyone who has contributed to our bid Andy Mazey, Rochdale chairman
the unanimous choice of the panel, for an outstanding application. The club’s coaching setup and facilities are superb; its community outreach is well-established and growing.
“On behalf of the panel, I thank and congratulate all five clubs who submitted applications. The applications were comprehensive, thorough, they showed aspiration and ambition, and they were very honest.
“I hope the four clubs who have missed out will see this as an opportunity to press for promotion in 2021.
“Good luck to them, and also to Newcastle Thunder in their preparations to play in what promises to be a vibrant and high-quality Betfred Championship competition.”
Meanwhile, academy graduate Connor Aspey – who made his Super League debut earlier this year – has linked up with the first team on a two-month trial basis.
The deal, which has been funded by the club’s Supporters’ Trust, will give the 18-year-old a chance to impress new head coach Richard Marshall, with a view to securing a full-time contract. “We’re very thankful to the Supporters’ Trust, for their continued support of our player pathways,” said Red Devils director of rugby Ian Blease.
“After developing through those structures, Connor experienced the intensity of Super League for the first time last season and has now been given the opportunity to prove himself to our new head coach.
“The assistance from our Supporters’ Trust to give him that opportunity, shows their commitment to our youth players, and I would encourage all fans to join them as a result.”
Hooker Aspey first represented the Red Devils in a pre-season ahead of the 2019 season at the age of 16.