Kilshaw eyes future as 11 leave Hornets
ROCHDALE Hornets this week confirmed that 11 members of the 2017 squad had left the club as Alan Kilshaw’s planning and preparation for next season picked up pace.
All of the 11 players who are moving on have been integral to the club’s successful Championship survival bid, with some also helping Hornets gain promotion a year earlier as champions.
Chris Riley was one of those, as he enjoyed a two year spell at Spotland where he crossed for 17 tries and added a wealth of experience to the group.
Wales international Anthony Walker is also leaving the club, after adding a lot of quality to the team at the back end of the season.
Josh Crowley will hang up his boots after joining Rochdale halfway through their promotion season in 2016, and went on to wear the shirt 37 times.
Lewis Foster has returned to parent club Leigh Centurions after his loan deal ended, while fellow halfback Jay Lobwein has also departed.
Gavin Bennion has had a stellar year after Kilshaw snapped up the front rower, so much so that he has earnt himself a Super League contract with Salford Red Devils.
Jake Eccleston joined the club alongside Bennion from Halifax, and after making 24 appearances the centre has decided to leave for Australia.
The longest serving current player at the club Jordan Case is also one of the men moving on, with the utility back crossing for 33 tries since making his debut back in 2014.
Michael Ratu’s time with the club has also come to an end, with the Rochdale born centre hampered with injuries of late, however he still played a vital part in their League 1 final win over Toulouse Olympique.
Paddy Jones and Samir Tahraoui complete the list, with the latter leaving the club half way through the season to join York City Knights.
Head coach Kilshaw thanked all of the players for their contributions to the club during his time, and wished them well in the future.
“It’s always difficult when we say goodbye to players who have played a big part in our success,” he said.
“We see the Hornets as a family club and team, these players will always be part of the family.
“The door is never closed as we have seen players leave the club and return in the past.
“All of these players have made history with the club and can be proud whether that has been playing in the promotion season, staying in the Championship this season or both.
“We wish them all good luck in the future and thank them for the contributions they have made.”
Negotiations are on-going with new and existing players to finalise deals, with more info to follow this week.