Trio sign up as Hadden leaves club
ROCHDALE Hornets have added three players to their squad for the remainder of the Championship season – including current loan star Jonah Cunningham.
The hooker has extended his initial one-month deal to stay with the club until the end of the 2018 campaign, having impressed since joining from Leigh Centurions.
Cunningham, son of St Helens legend Kieron, stepped in at a time when the Hornets were suffering from an injury crisis at dummy half, with Ben Moores and Dec Gregory out of action.
He has been a constant in the side since making his debut away to Dewsbury Rams, scoring his first try for Rochdale in Sunday’s Summer Bash defeat to Swinton Lions.
Also joining him is former Workington Town prop forward Joe Ryan, following his release from the League One outfit after he struggled with the travelling commitments.
He had made seven appearances so far this term and scored one try, and is a former Warrington Wolves reserve grade star.
Alan Kilshaw was delighted to add him to the squad, as he said: “Once we discovered he was leaving Workington, we were interested.
“He was in Warrington’s reserves last year, which was when he first came to our attention, and he has a few mates in the camp.
“It’s good to have him on board and start to get our numbers back up, and he’s a skilful middle.”
The third and final addition is Jack Fox, who is on trial and training with the club to add strength in depth in the backs. The former England Academy player can cover both centre and wing.
Meanwhile, Matty Hadden has left Hornets to return home to Ireland.
Hadden made his name in the local amateur game playing for both Littleborough and Rochdale Cobras before heading for Oxford before being signed by Ian Talbot in 2015.
Hadden went on to become a firm fan favorite, notorious for his blockbusting carries and no nonsense defense and was integral in Hornets league one triumph in 2016.
Hornets head coach Alan Kilshaw said: “As a club we’re disappointed to see a player like Matty leave. He has been massive for the club and has never taken a backward step.
“Matty has been a pleasure to coach during my time here, he is incredibly well liked by his colleagues and I am proud to call him a friend. I wish him every success in whatever lies next in his career.
“Naturally we are disappointed to lose a player of such experience but we are heavy stacked in the middles and we have some good quality players. Obviously there will be some cash freed up by Matty’s exit and we will look to strengthen where we possibly can.”