Samir Tahraoui signs for Hornets

Rochdale Hornets sign Samir Tahraoui

Rochdale Hornets have signed six foot seven inch, twenty stone prop forward Samir Tahraoui from Bradford Bulls.

Algerian Tahraoui is currently full time at Bradford Bulls but played the majority of last season on loan with Keighley Cougars.

Tahraoui, 24,  has a wealth of experience after graduating from Warrington and St Helens junior systems, where he played alongside current Hornets Danny Yates and Alex Trumper. He helped Swinton secure promotion to the Championship before signing for Whitehaven as well as enjoying a stint with Australian Queensland Cup outfit, Tweed Head Seagulls.

"Samir was highly sought after and we are very pleased to secure his release from Bradford and get him on board," commented head coach Alan Kilshaw.

"We haven't been able to secure a visa for a player I wanted to bring over from Australia so Samir will add some size, aggression and impact to our squad that we were missing last season. He is exactly what we were looking for; we didn't think he would be available but as soon as we learned he was he became our number one target.

"Speaking to some of our lads, Samir is a real handful to play against and has always caused us problems, he will be great addition to our squad."

With pre-season starting next week, the squad is nearing finalisation but one Hornet who won't be returning in 2016 is second rower Danny Bridge, with the Irish international set to take up a contract offer from Redcliffe Dolphins in Australia.

Hornets CEO Ryan Bradley said: "Bridge was someone we wanted to tie up pretty early but he was honest with us from the outset and said he wanted to look abroad in 2016.

"Initially he was going to France and when that deal fell through we thought we may have an outside chance, even with some Super League and Championship Clubs showing interest, as he is happy and settled here.

"However, Danny's CV is second to none and his form last year was really good and he attracted a number of offers from Australian suitors.

"He leaves with our best wishes and I'm pretty sure we haven't seen the last of Danny Bridge at Spotland."

Standoff Ryan Smith has been released, along with centre Dave Hull and prop forward Liam Gilchrist.

Pre-season starts next week and Kilshaw has a full complement of 25 players signed and also has three trialists looking to earn a deal.

A full squad list will be published next week.