Thornton adds trio for Hornets
GARY Thornton has added three more new signings to his Rochdale Hornets squad as preparation for the 2024 campaign pick up pace.
Hornets have agreed deals with Jaden Dayes and Calum Hughes, while Tommy Brierley has also penned a new contract to remain at the club.
Outside back Hughes joins the club on the back of a season with Swinton Lions last year in the Championship.
Head Coach, Gary Thornton, commented on the signing: “At 6’7 Calum gives us an extra dimension on the wings and I’m excited to see how we can exploit that in our end of set plays. Calum is a competitive character and will add Championship experience to the group. I know he’s really keen to get started after an injury hit season and he will be fresh and raring to go.”
Hughes added: “I’m really looking forward too the 2024 season at Rochdale heard good things about the club. Hoping to cement my place in the team and make it the best season yet. Appreciate
Gary and Andy giving me this opportunity means a lot.”
Jamaican international prop or second row forward Dayes joins on the back of a successful spell with Huddersfield Giants Reserves and academy system.
Chairman, Andy Mazey, commented on the signing: “Jaden is a graduate of the Huddersfield Giants Academy and a player that first came onto Gary’s radar earlier this year when he played against us on loan for London Skolars.
“He had a very strong game that day playing on an edge and was a real handful. We spoke about him afterwards on the coach journey home as he had made a positive impression on our coaching team. We have kept an eye on his situation ever since. Thanks to a good relationship with his agent Iestyn Harris we have been able to bring him to Hornets and he will add to Gary’s pack options for 2024”
Dayes added: “I am looking forward to the new challenge at Rochdale playing in the professional leagues, as I am used to playing academy and reserves. I want a new step in my life, have spoken to a few people and asked about what the club was like and all good things were spoken. Hope for this season we can be at the top end of the table, fighting in the play offs. Hoping to get some good minutes and play week in week out for this club.”
Outside back Brierley, who will stay with the club following a successful end to the 2023 season.
Thornton, commented on the re-signing: “Tommy’s got over some injury issues and looking to get back to his best.
“I’ve known Tommy for a few years, seeing him progress through Leeds Rhinos academy into championship/league 1 football. He has undoubted ability and is equally at home on the wing or at centre.
“He’s a strong carrier out of backfield and knows the way to the tryline and I’m hoping he will show his quality with some consistent performances.
“Tommy is a very popular member of the group
and is well respected by his team mates.”
Brierley added: “As soon as I was offered a contract for 2024 I didn’t hesitate to sign.
“After playing the last
couple of games for Rochdale last season I knew it was a club heading in the right direction with the right people steering it.
“After seeing the squad we are building for next year there is no reason we shouldn’t be fighting for promotion come the end of the season. I’d like to thank GT and Andy for giving me this opportunity. Roll on 2024!”