Hooker Matt in Hornets switch
HOOKER Matt Wilkinson is the latest addition to Rochdale Hornets’ squad for the 2024 campaign following successful spells with Oldham and Swinton in recent years.
Wilkinson is the latest in what is looking an increasingly exciting squad of players – and with the club offering unlimited free junior (under 16s) season tickets to all children across the borough in 2024, it’s a squad Hornets hope will pull in the crowds.
Head coach Gary Thornton, said of Wilkinson’s signing: “I’m so pleased with this signing as it adds so much to our squad in a key pivotal position. Hookers play an integral role in the way we attack and defend, and to have Matt on board gives us a very strong look in that area. He’s a running threat from dummy half in attack, and tough defensively, so has all the attributes needed to play 9. I’ve always been a big admirer of the way Matt plays and he had other options on the table, so I’m delighted he has decided to sign with us.”
Wilkinson added: “When Gary and Andy (Mazey, chairman) were interested in bringing me over with the calibre of players that had already signed, I thought that Rochdale would be the best club for me to join. With the likes of the experienced back and halves signings and others already here who I played with before, I feel we will have a good spine of the team who can play good, attacking rugby and give everyone in the comp a good game. Thanks to everyone at the club for giving me the opportunity and hopefully I can do the shirt justice.”
Wilkinson’s arrival comes days after Hornets opened sales of Platinum Passes and Season Tickets for the 2024 Season with under 16s able watch games absolutely free.
A statement on the club’s website read: “Rochdale Hornets is a Club that is more connected than ever before. Connected through its diverse range of teams, connected with the community and connected with its loyal supporters.
“We head into the 2024 season with new excitement having retained twelve of Gary Thornton’s 2023 squad.
“A contract extension for skipper Duane Straugheir and new and improved agreements for stand-out performers
Lewis Else, Aiden Roden and Dan Brewin are among the retentions.
“Thornton’s class of 2024 is bolstered by the arrival of experienced operators Gregg Mcnally, Kenny Baker, Jordan Andrade, Luke Nelmes and Deane Meadows.
“Local talent Dan Nixon and Ben Killan have put pen to paper, and another local lad, Hopwood Hornets Academy product Ben Forster, returns to the club from Championship outfit Halifax. More signings will be announced, supporters have every right to feel optimistic for 2024 and beyond.”
Chairman Andy Mazey, who has worked closely with coach Thornton to develop the 2024 squad said: “The support once again this year has been magnificent and there is a real sense that the club is moving in the right direction at last. We have listened to our supporters and added size, quality and experience to the playing group. Growing our season ticket numbers and attendances is critical within the IMG framework, therefore we are making professional rugby league affordable and accessible to everyone in the Borough, in particular our young people.
“We have not only frozen prices on the Platinum club packages, but added value with cup games being included at no extra cost. We have also frozen adult season ticket prices, brought back concessions, and made FREE season tickets available to the tens of thousands of young people across our very own 230,000+ population “Rochdale” Borough.
“We’ve seen some encouraging signs in 2023 since the arrival of our new General Manager Matt Rigby, particularly the themed game day events, and the Derby game against local rivals Oldham which delivered a crowd upwards of 1400. We are confident this club has now turned a corner and 2024 season ticket sales will hopefully reflect this.”
Head Coach Thornton added: “The support of the Hornets fans is a crucial part of being a successful team on the field, but also growing our IMG grading scores and becoming a Grade B club.
“Your support doesn’t go unnoticed by myself or the staff and players, and we deeply value the significant part you play in what we can deliver on the field.
“We will once again look forward to your loyal support next season.”