Else and Brewin sign for Hornets
ROCHDALE Hornets have announced the signing of halfback Lewis Else for the 2023 Betfred League 1 season.
Else spent the 2022 campaign at nearby Swinton Lions, where he scored six tries in 13 appearances.
The 22-year-old would’ve featured more for Swinton had it not been for work commitments but was still influential as Allan Coleman’s side won promotion back to the Championship at the first attempt.
Else is now hoping for another memorable campaign this time around.
He said: “I’ve heard nothing but good things from the people I’ve spoke to about the club, which excites me. I already have really good mates here so the chance to enjoy some rugby with them also attracted me.
“I’m looking forward to meeting all the other lads as well and I’m expecting us to have a good season. We have a young, energetic, team with a nice mix of experienced players to guide us towards that top end of the table so I can’t wait to get going.”
Despite his young age, Else already has Championship experience from his time at Widnes Vikings whom he joined as a scholar at the age of 15.
He then made the switch to Heywood Road where he was outstanding for the Lions throughout their promotion bid and, as a result, Hornets head coach Gary Thornton is thrilled to have acquired him for 2023.
He said: “This is a major signing for us, and I’m delighted we managed to secure the services of this very talented young halfback. I thought Lewis was one of the standout pivots in League 1 last year, and was unlucky to miss out on the end of season honours - in my opinion.
“He was superb in a promotion-winning side and showed great maturity with his decision making and high skillset for such a young man. He brings a winning mentality to our group in a very key position.
“Again, he has come through really good academy systems at Widnes and learned his trade well, and he will become an integral part of our new look squad.
“I’m excited to see how the partnerships grow within the spine of the team, as that area looks particularly strong across 1, 6, 7 and 9, and Lewis will become a valuable member of the group.
“He’s also a good bloke and is very ambitious so we are really looking forward to working with him.”
Chairman Andy Mazey is equally excited to have the former Wigan St Patricks man on board.
He said: “We are absolutely thrilled to bring Elsey to Rochdale Hornets in a deal which will no doubt raise a few eyebrows, as it is a major coup for our club.
“Lewis is a class act and was a top performer for Swinton in League One this year, most notably in the games against us when he was head and shoulders the best halfback on the park.
“He has some good friends within our camp already and we are delighted that he has chosen to be part of this exciting young looking Hornets outfit for 2023.”
Meanwhile, Hornets have also signed Dan Brewin, from Warrington Wolves, on a permanent basis.
Brewin joined Hornets in August on loan, from the Super League outfit, but has chosen to extend his stay after thoroughly enjoying his time under Gary Thornton.
He said: “I loved my time here, at the end of last season, so it was an easy decision to come back.”
The 19-year-old has been deployed as both a centre and a second row in his brief time at Rochdale, and ran in tries against West Wales Raiders and North Wales Crusaders which helped to catch the eye of head coach Thornton.
He said: “Dan spent some time with us at the back of last season on loan from Warrington, and impressed us with his attitude and professionalism. He has been well schooled through the Warrington academy and came to us highly recommended by the Wire coaching team, so I’m delighted we have him as our own player for next season.
“Dan is a very athletic back row or centre and will provide a real threat to our attacking options out wide. He is very coachable, eager to learn and hungry for success.
“Dan also has a great attitude to training and playing, which is just the kind of player we are looking for, and I’m looking forward to seeing him fulfil his potential in his first full year with us at League 1 level.”
Chairman Andy Mazey is also excited to see Brewin’s development continue, in 2023.
“Dan Brewin is another quality addition to our 2023 squad and a player that really impressed, while playing on loan for us this year.
“It is really pleasing to have secured his services, on a permanent basis from Warrington Wolves, who I would like to thank along with his agent Kevin Brown for helping to get this one over the line. Welcome back, Dan.”