Young trio brought in for Hornets
HORNETS have added a further three young prospects to their squad for the 2018 season, as their preparations for the upcoming Championship campaign continues.
Hooker Dec Gregory joins from Hemel Hempstead, after starting his career with Salford Red Devils’ academy.
Alex Gaskell was also part of the Salford academy, and he joins from Gloucestershire All Golds, with the utility back scoring twice in nine appearances last season.
Aiden Hema is a forward who will add depth to both the front and back row of the Hornets pack, as he makes the move from Halifax having also spent some time with South Wales.
Back in Alan Kilshaw’s first season in charge, he added a number of youngsters to his squad, with Lewis Galbraith and Ben Moores cementing their place as first team regulars since.
He then gave Gavin Bennion a chance ahead of the 2017 season, with the prop forward earning a Super League contract with Salford following a brilliant year.
That was a huge achievement considering he wasn’t given a regular starting spot in the Halifax side, with Ryan Maneely also struggling to get into the same side.
Since the hooker joined on a permanent deal at the start of 2017 he has proved his class at Championship level, coming up with a number of hugely important performances.
Danny Yates is another youngster who has been the club’s first choice halfback during his time in charge, as he picked up the League 1 Young Player of the Year award in 2016.
Since Kilshaw joined the Hornets he has been dedicated towards giving youngsters a chance, and is looking forward to aiding the development of the latest trio.
“These three players further prove our commitment to giving young players an opportunity and environment to develop,” the Rochdale boss commented.
“Our hope is these young players, along with the others we have signed, stay with us long term and develop into regular performing first grade players.
“They are all aware of the task in front of them but have great attitudes.
“I’ve always paid a lot of attention to the development of young players and the best way to build a club is from the bottom up.”