Two more added to Hornets squad for 2024
ROCHDALE Hornets’ squad building for the 2024 season continues apace with two more new arrivals at the Crown Oil Arena.
The club has agreed terms with utility back Max Flanagan and centre Myles Harrop for the League 1 campaign.
Flanagan joins the club on the back of a competitive season with Newcastle Thunder last year in the Championship.
He came through the university rugby league system at Newcastle, who folded following relegation, and represented England in
2022.
Hornets head coach Gary Thornton said: “We have signed Max from Newcastle Thunder where he spent last season in the championship. He’s equally happy at full back or half back and will give us options in both those positions.
“Although still very young, his experience in the championship will stand him in good stead as he looks to push himself into our starting
17. Another young man with bags of energy and a great desire to succeed he’ll be a fantastic asset to our group.”
Flanagan added: “I’m thrilled to have signed for the upcoming season. I first spoke to Gary a couple of months ago he made it clear the clubs ambition was to compete at the top end of the league in 2024. The squad Gary and Andy (Mazey, chairman) have put together can do that and I look forward to contributing my best and hopefully achieving success the club deserves.
“I really enjoyed my time at Newcastle and met some great people, although injury hampered my game time I learnt a lot in my first season at that level.
“It’s sad to see what’s happened to the club in recent weeks, I wish everyone involved all the best for the future.”
Former Salford centre Harrop also arrives ahead of the 2024 season.
He joins the club on the back of a season with Swinton Lions last year in the Championship. He made his Super League debut in 2022 following a string of impressive performances in the
Super League reserve competition.
Harrop said: “I’m really happy Myles is on board for this coming season. We spoke about bringing him in last season, but he backed himself in the Championship with Swinton after making his Super League debut at Salford, and I admire his confidence in doing so.
“Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to injury and he has decided to join us this season to get his career back on track.
“Myles is still very young with bags of energy and a desire to do well.
He’s a strong ball carrier and will be a fantastic addition to our group.”
Harrop added: “I’m delighted to be joining the Hornets for 2024 season. After a conversation with Gary Thornton about the goals and ambitions for the club next year it was definitely something I wanted to be a part of.
“I’m buzzing for pre season and to meet the squad so we can work hard and really push for that promotion. I’d like to thank Gary and Andy for giving me this opportunity.”