Jack Holmes signs loan deal with Hornets

Rochdale Hornets

Rochdale Hornets has completed a loan deal to bring in Jack Holmes from Oldham Roughyeds until the end of the season.

Holmes, 22, found himself out of favour at Oldham in recent weeks and Hornets head coach Alan Kilshaw has been eager bring him into the fray.

Holmes is a versatile outside back who can feature at fullback, wing and centre and will add cover in positions which Killer has shuffled so far this season.

Kilshaw said: “First and foremost I would like to thank Scott Naylor and Chris Hamilton for allowing Jack to come to us on loan until the end of the season. They could have easily kept hold of him but they have put the player’s interest first, which they deserve credit for."

Holmes is well known to assistant coach Jason Viller who coached him in the academy at Salford and he is a prospect that excites him, he said: “Jack can cover all of the outside back positions but we see him playing full back and centre for us. We rate him highly and Jason Viller has coached him at Salford and has big raps on him.

Kilshaw added: “Our squad is looking set now and we have that extra depth we needed for the final stages of the season.”

“We feel the style of footy we play and the environment which we have created will enhance Jack's development and bring the best out of him.”

Holmes says he is flattered by the interest Hornets have shown him, he said: “I’m very glad to be here. It’s always good when a club show so much interest in you.

"I can see already that the lads are a tight group and they’ve already made me feel welcome.”

“All of the staff have great input and already they’re helping me improve my game.

"You can see the facilities on offer are world class so I’m definitely looking forward to my time at Rochdale.

“I can’t wait to get back out there. It’s been tough the last couple of weeks not playing so I’m definitely ready to take my opportunity to help the team in the Super Eights and hopefully getting us promotion." 

Holmes was integral in the Oldham side which finished top of League One last season and defeated Keighley Cougars in the promotion final at Whitebank.

When asked about his experience of promotion he believes it’s improved him as a player, he said: “I think the whole experience of last year has definitely improved me.

"All of the games from now on are going to be tough but from what I learnt last year, the most important thing is controlling the game.

“If you complete sets and stay focussed the other teams will make errors. It’s just a case of grinding down the opposition and hopefully I can be a big part of doing so.”