Allen signs up for ‘special’ job
ROCHDALE Hornets have announced their first new signing for the 2018 season, as former Super League second rower Dave Allen has joined the club.
After representing Wigan Warriors and Widnes Vikings in the top flight, the forward made the move to Whitehaven before injury cut short his spell with the Cumbrian outfit.
In 2013 he also represented Ireland in the World Cup, and is a big coup for Alan Kilshaw ahead of his third season in charge of the Hornets.
Allen spoke of his delight of joining the club, and how a current member of the squad helped to persuade him to put pen to paper.
“I spoke to Gary Mid- dlehurst and he asked me if I fancied it,” he explained.
“I had a bit of a bad year last year through injury and I didn’t end up playing at Whitehaven.
“I was going to call it a day then Gary asked me to have a chat with Rochdale and it all snowballed from there really.”
He was also impressed by Kilshaw after a meeting with the Hornets boss, and is looking to relaunch his career in 2018.
“I like Alan’s approach to the game and how he likes to play.
“With the facilities the club has got too, it looked like a good opportunity for me.
“I was thinking about calling it a day but because
‘Signing for Rochdale has given me a new lease of life. I can’t wait’
I didn’t play last year I have really missed my rugby.
“Signing for Rochdale has given me a new lease of life and I can’t wait to get going.”
After leaving Widnes at the end of the 2014 season, Allen had to adapt to part-time rugby league which he admits took some getting used to.
Now, though, he is looking forward to getting started with his new club, and taking full advantage indoor pitch and a gym all “I have some good leadership of the facilities available on one site. qualities and I just due to their partnership “It was hard to adapt at like to play rugby. All with Warrington Wolves. first but you just have to round I think I can bring
“When I left Widnes it get on with it.” something to the team. was tough to adjust to The backrower is looking “I’ve not really thought part-time,” he continued. to bring his experience about any goals yet but
“I went up to Whitehaven to the team when he joins after my injury I just want and sometimes the up with the squad during to get back playing and weather and the pitches pre-season, and feels the hopefully do something were a nightmare, so foundations are in place special with Rochdale. you’d go all the way up to improve on 2017’s “They’ve got a great set there to train and not be Championship campaign. of lads up there, a good able to get on a pitch. “I have been around coach and they have everything
“Seeing the set-up and I have a lot of experience in place to have a Rochdale have at Padgate under my belt which rig dig and improve on it’s brilliant with the I can bring to the team. this year’s season.” Published by MEN Media, Mitchell Henry House, Hollinwood Avenue, Chadderton, OL9 8EF. Printed by Mirror Colour Printers (Oldham) Ltd, Hollinwood Avenue, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 8EB