Rugby League: Hornets News

Hornets News

Blockbuster start for promoted Hornets

Rochdale Hornets face an uphill battle in the opening month of the Kingstone Press Championship season. It will be Dewsbury Rams up first at The Crown Oil arena before a trip to hotly tipped Bradford Bulls.

Hornets then return home for two games, against relegated Hull KR and a strong Halifax side.

Hornets coach Alan Kilshaw said: "There are no easy games in the competition. There are teams with ambitions to get back into Super League and teams that want to get there for the first time. It's ok saying you want a good start, but we want a good start, a good middle and a good end." 

Hornets Director, Luke Harrison, added: "You've got to be in it to win it, and that means tackling sides like Hull KR and Bradford. It doesn't matter when you play them. What more reason do you need than to go out and buy a season ticket? We're going to be in for a great season."

Player sponsorship

Player and staff sponsorship packages are still available from a price of £300 inc. VAT.

It gives supporters and businesses the option to sponsor their favourite player for the 2017 season. It includes name/logo next to the player’s profile on the clubs official website as well as in the official club magazine.

The player's sponsor will also be visible on home team sheets and announced over the tannoy whenever a player scores or is named during the match.

It is a great way for supporters to engage with their favourite players or an affordable sponsorship opportunity for businesses looking for unique exposure.

Email info@hornetsrugbyleague.com for more details.

Quiz night

Rochdale Hornets is holding a 'We Are Brainy' quiz night in partnership with State of Mind and The Flying Horse Hotel.

The event will take place on Tuesday 22 November from 8pm.

Danny Sculthorpe, who is a trustee of the State of Mind charity, will deliver a talk from 8pm about the importance of having a healthy state of mind. It is to encourage people to speak out and seek support with mental health issues.

From 8:45pm a quality pie and pea supper will be served by the Quirky Catering Co and the quiz will kick off at 9pm.

The full playing squad will be in attendance to join teams and help (or be helped) with the quiz.

All of this can be enjoyed for just £2.50 which can be paid on the night.

ICYMI: Squad builder winners

The draw has been made for the 2017 squad builder, the winners are:

Home
Paul Cannings
Ena Myers
David Bulcock

Away
Brian Belfield
Eric Schofield
Jon Bramall

2017 Kit update

Talks have now concluded with the club and Surridge Sports with two new 2017 kits being signed off and a unique off field training range being made available to the club.

Details of both kits will emerge over the next week with the home jersey set to remain 'traditional' with a twist whilst a special design has been commissioned for the away kit which will give Hornets an 'edgy and sophisticated' look on the road.

In addition to this, there are two new kit sponsors which will be announced to give the club a financial boost.

Hornets Chairman Mark Wynn said: "Surrdige has really pulled it out of the bag this year with the designs and we are pleased our good working relationship will continue.

"To also be able to announce two big sponsorship deals is a massive boost for the club as well and details of that will be announced in due course. We thank members for their patience with this process but it will be worth the wait."

Foundation in memory of Steve Gartland

A charity has been launched in memory of respected former rugby league player and coach, Steve Gartland.

The family of Steve hope it will raise funds to help encourages men to talk about their problems and fears.

Steve - known fondly across Oldham and Rochdale as ‘Garty’ - played professionally for Rochdale Hornets, Oldham Roughyeds and Swinton Lions. He also played and coached juniors at Rochdale Mayfield.

The father-of-two was found dead, aged 45, in Castleton on 19 August.