Hornet's squad for next season complete

Alan Kilshaw, Rochdale Hornets head coach

Rochdale Hornets head coach Alan Kilshaw has confirmed that his 2017 squad is now complete, with the club bringing in a number of new additions as well as retaining the majority of last season’s grand final winning squad.

Speaking on the possibility of bringing in anyone else to the team he has assembled for the step up to the Championship he said: “I think we have a quality squad with depth in all positions and we won't be actively looking to bring anyone in.

“If quality players do become available then we can never rule out trying to sign them but my preference is to keep a consistent squad throughout the season.

“Last year it was difficult to do that as I inherited some players and we brought in some quality additions later on in the season.

“This year the signings are all players the coaching staff identified as what we needed in those positions. The players we have kept performed last season and fit into our playing ethos.

“Hopefully we can avoid the injuries we had last season but we can always call on dual reg if we do have a lot of players unavailable, but we won't rely on that as we didn't this year.”

With the Championship providing a step up in intensity and competiveness throughout the division, Kilshaw felt it was key to add some experience from the second tier into his squad.

He also wanted to add players who had experience in winning teams, and is confident he has achieved both.

“We have a good balance of young enthusiastic players and experienced players who have been in winning teams at different levels.

“Most importantly we have lots of Championship experience, which is vital when you’re a new side in the division as the teams and places we visit won't be alien to the core of the squad.”

With 11 new faces coming in to complement the 14 players who were retained Kilshaw insisted that some quality has been added, and is happy with the calibre of player the club has been able to attract.

He added: “Every player we have brought in will improve the squad and add depth and competition.

“We have also signed a couple of younger lads who have an opportunity to develop in a strong environment.

“I think we have done very well to attract quality players which include Gav Bennion, Lewis Palfrey, Miles Greenwood, Gary Middlehurst and Rob Massam, who are huge signings for the club.

“It shows we’re an attractive proposition which is credit to the club and the chairman Mark Wynn for how the club has been run.”

In

Lewis Palfrey, Gary Middlehurst, Jack Holmes (Oldham), Gavin Bennion, Ryan Maneely, Miles Greenwood, Jake Eccleston (Halifax), Jay Lobwein (Coventry Bears), Rob Massam (North Wales Crusaders), Luke Fowden (Salford academy), Paddy Jones (Wigan academy).

Retained

Chris Riley, Lewis Galbriath, Michael Ratu, Danny Yates, Ben Moores, Warren Thompson, Jono Smith, Jordan Case, Josh Crowley, Samir Tahraoui, Matty Hadden, Jo Taira, Dave Cookson, Jack Francis.

Out

Wayne English (retired), Paul Crook, James Tilley, Steven Roper, Alex McClurg, Dale Bloomfield, James Dandy, Alex Trumper, Jake Shoel, Corey Lee.