Rochdale Hornets news

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The Voice of the Fans event, hosted by Supporters Direct, provides a platform for Rugby League fans to debate the key issues and challenges facing the modern game.

The event, held at University of Huddersfield (Heritage Quay) on the 25 October 2014, will invite fans to unite and develop a path for the future of Rugby League.

2015 away shirt - vote now

It is now time to vote on the colour of the 2015 away shirt.

Following feedback from members, kit manufacturers Kooga have come up with four colour variations for you to choose from.

The green and amber shirts both have historical reference and the colours have both featured on away kits since the formation of the club in 2009.

Although referenced in our history, pink would be seen as a 'modern day' kit and is the most eye catching of the colours on offer.

The sky blue has no significant historical reference but was the colour chosen for the 2013 away kit to celebrate the clubs historical tie with Fiji.

It is planned that the shorts would match the colour of the shirt and the kits would be worn with black socks.

To vote on your favourite, you simply need to email info@hornetsrugbyleague.com with Kit Colour Vote as the subject, stating your name and single choice in the email.

Only members votes will be counted and voting closes 5pm on Friday 30 September.

The subliminated image pictured is for illustration purposes only. The actual image will be made up from submissions from the squad builder.

Sponsors logos will also be added to the final design, as will the winners of the Squad Builder draw, which were: Lynda Falstaff, Victoria Ballard and Mick Foster.

All other squad builder contributors have until close of business on 19 September to submit the image they would like to feature on the kit

Who is your hero?

Last year Hornets inaugurated the Heroes of Hornets Hall of Fame. The idea is to select people who have made a vital contribution to the club from across the whole spectrum of Hornets history and community.

Last year’s heroes included Ray and Ena Myers, the Fijians and Jim Stringer amongst others.

It’s now time to make nominations for this year. Hornets started the ball rolling at the end of season event and were overwhelmed by suggestions from the Hornets family. Don’t worry if you weren’t there, there’s still time for you to nominate anyone you think deserves this special recognition, whether they be a current player, a player from Hornets' illustrious history, back room staff, coaching staff or volunteers.

Your nomination should reach the club by email or post by Friday 3 October. The Heritage Committee will then look at all the nominations and decide who will be inducted as this year’s Heroes of Hornets at an event in November.

The full list of the inaugural 2013 members is as follows:

Frank Myler, Ray & Ena Myers, Wally McArthur, Jack Bennett, Jim Stringer, Kevin Lowe, Jean Garside, Malcolm Price, Alan Hodkinson, Orisi Dawai, Joe Levula, Ian Talbot and Wayne English.

Suffolk and Davey double

Tony Suffolk and Terri Davey led the way at the Rochdale Hornets end of season presentation last week, as they picked up two awards each for their performances in the men’s and women’s team this past year.

Houghy's Gala Dinner

Chris Hough will host his testimonial dinner this Friday 19 September at Rochdale Mayfield, 6.30pm for 7.oopm start.

There are limited tickets still available in advance but, due to demand, the committee won’t be able to accommodate anyone who attends on the night without a ticket.

Allan Shea is the special guest artist and the top table will also feature the recently retired England captain and Leeds Rhino Kevin Sinfield.

A meal will be served as well as an auction of various sporting memorabilia.

One item of note for Hornets fans is a signed, framed Danny Samuels' shirt that was worn when he scored the fastest try scored in a competitive rugby league fixture - 7.9 seconds versus Swinton Lions.

Any bids in excess of £75 can be made in advance of the night by emailing info@hornetsrugbyleague.com  

Saturdays at Spotland?

The players of Rochdale Hornets have made a request to the board to consider an alternative kick off day/time.

The players leadership group has asked, given the long distances required for away days, that the club considers Saturday as the default day for home fixtures in 2015.

Playing fixtures on a Saturday means that the part time squad, many of whom have young families, would have every other Sunday available to spend with their families.

It would also give those players with physical/manual jobs an extra days recovery before returning to work and may be prove a positive pull for players of other clubs considering playing for Hornets.

The club's elected board of directors discussed the proposal at the latest board meeting and agreed that Saturday evening fixtures have there merits; avoiding clashes with the Hornets Ladies and junior clubs, fan engagement post match and appeal to different commercial sectors as positives.

The RFL has confirmed that Rochdale Hornets can decide their default weekend kick off time and day and discussions are underway with Denehurst Park Stadium Company to discuss the logistics.

A discussion and vote is planned at the Hornets members meeting in November with members able to vote after hearing from members of the board, playing and coaching staff.

Short updates

Members wishing to stand for the board of Rochdale Hornets have until Friday 26 September to send in their nomination form. If you haven’t received it via the post please contact the club at your earliest opportunity.

The annual Hornets children's Christmas Party has been provisionally booked for 15 December at Spotland Stadium. Save the date.

The Hornets Buzzline Lottery will be running a Christmas Draw to raise funds for the club's development work.

If anybody would like to donate a prize please get in touch via email. Bottles, gift sets and hampers are all welcome.

The Early Early bird rate for season tickets finishes at the end of September. To qualify for this rate simply renew on-line.

The fixtures for the new season are due mid November.