Hornets swoop for coveted duo
SCRUM half Dave Hewitt and highlyrated winger Cian Tyrer are the latest additions to Rochdale Hornets’ roster for the 2023 season.
Having represented local rivals Oldham – since 2017 – Hewitt is now looking forward to playing his rugby nine miles up the A627M.
“After speaking to Gary about the club’s intentions to rebuild a new squad and culture at the club, and given the current time in my career where I’m looking for a fresh start and more responsibility, it was a perfect fit and I can’t wait to get started.
“Our intentions for the season have to be to make the play-offs, finishing as high as possible in this division, and with a new squad we will just have to target each game week-by-week and not get too fixated on where we could finish.”
The 26-year-old came through the academy of hometown club St Helens, and also represented England at Schoolboys and Academy level, before signing professional with Sheffield Eagles in 2016 -and Hornets head coach Gary Thornton is delighted to have brought in a player of such pedigree.
He said: “I’ve always been a big admirer of Dave during his time at both Sheffield and Oldham, and I’m delighted to have him on board for next season.
“In a year where we have lost all our pivots, we are effectively rebuilding and I thought it was really important to get an experienced half-back on board.
“Dave will bring great organisational skills and manage the gameplan for us on the pitch.
“He is a well-respected half-back and, although still a young man himself, will pass on his experience to help the younger members of the team.
“Dave has a great skillset with the ball, makes good decisions and has an awesome sidestep close to the line.
“He also possesses a terrific kicking game and will complement the way we want to play.
“I’m really looking forward to working with him and seeing the influence he will have on our new look side.”
In his time with the Roughyeds, Hewitt amassed an impressive 362 points across his 130 appearances making him highly sought after, by a number of clubs.
However, Hornets chairman Andy Mazey is extremely satisfied to have won the race.
He said: “Everyone knows half-backs are vital and experienced Championship/top-end League One halves, such as Dave Hewitt, are in short supply.
“We believe this is an important piece of business, for the club, and a significant part of Gary’s jigsaw for 2023.
“There was a lot of interest and competition for his signature but by being decisive and making the changes we did earlier this year, ultimately getting our house in order, we have been able to move quickly on recruitment targets such as this.”
Having signed permanently for the 2022 campaign, from Newcastle Thunder, Tyrer was a standout performer in his first full season – scoring 18 tries.
The 21-year-old’s performances saw him earn a well-deserved nomination for the Betfred League 1 Young Player of the Year Award and the Wigan academy graduate is eager to pick up where he left off.
He said: “I loved my first season at Rochdale and that was a big part of why I’ve decided to stay. From the players, to the coaches, to the back room staff, there are a lot of great people within the club. I think I had a good first year and I’m now looking to have an even better second.
“In terms of goals, I’m looking at it in two stages, the first stage is pre-season and that’s probably the most important goal for me because if I want to have a better second year then that’s where it’s going to start.
“So, I’m looking forward to putting the work in when we start back next month which will allow me to kick on for the season and achieve all my personal goals - but also help the team be the best it can be to win the league.”
The crowning moment of Tyrer’s 2022 came against West Wales Raiders in Round 19.
On that day the winger, who is the grandson of Wigan legend Colin Tyrer, scored a club record 38 points after taking over kicking duties and also scoring a hat-trick in a historic 102-4 win.
This formed part of a sensational six game run where the winger scored nine tries, towards the business end of the season, and head coach Thornton is confident this great form will continue in 2023.
He said: “I’m delighted Cian has agreed to a new deal for next season. After some very impressive performances last season, especially in the run in to the play-offs, he was rightly nominated for Young Player of the Year in League 1, and that’s a great honour as that is voted for by my fellow coaches.
“Cian is an exciting player to watch. His workload and elusive running out of backfield are outstanding, which helps get us on the front foot and start our attacks up the field. He also knows the way to the try line, and chipped in with his fair share of spectacular tries throughout the season. I know he is popular amongst the fans, so they will no doubt be pleased to know he is here for another season.
“Cian had other clubs chasing him, and it was important we worked hard to keep him and I’d like to thank Andy for helping with that. Again, he’s one of our outstanding youngsters who performed exceptionally well last season and will improve even further in coming seasons.”
Chairman Mazey is equally thrilled by the resigning, given Tyrer’s undoubted quality and potential.
He said: “I know our supporters will be delighted that we have fought off competition to retain one of the hottest young properties in League 1.
“This is a real boost for the club as on the back of being nominated for Young Player of the Year, and some stand out performances, Cian attracted a lot of interest and had some lucrative offers on the table from rival clubs.
“Knowing his dad Christian as I do however, there is a real trust and respect between us and, throughout negotiations, it was apparent he wanted Cian to play for Rochdale Hornets and Gary.
“This meant we had to do whatever we could to get this one over the line and fight off competition for his signature.”