Hornets news

Car Parking

Car Parking passes are now on sale for the 2016 season, for just £40.

All spaces are sold as un-reserved and the pass covers all home friendlies, league and cup fixtures.

You can call into the shop on matchday and pay (that day's parking deducted from the cost) or purchase on-line (name on the gate for Sunday, pass to collect from the shop).

Training Times

The Hornets 'Captain Run' takes place at Kingsway Park High School, Turf Hill Road, every Saturday morning from 9.00am. Members are welcome to attend.

Hornets on a roll

Rochdale Hornets has praised the work of all involved in making the first fixture of 2016 a success, with Hornets CEO Ryan Bradley stating it will set them up for the season ahead.

He said: "Sunday was a great day for Hornets- a real positive way to start the season.

"Salford brought a full strength squad and really supported us marketing the game to their supporters, which gave us a bumper crowd.

"We sold out of hospitality boxes ahead of the game and we had queues at the turnstiles from 2.30pm. We worked hard and got everyone in before kickoff but there were talks of delaying kick off.

"When we came in Sunday there was concerns over the pitch but the groundsman has done really well to get two games on last week.

"It was especially difficult as the drains in Sandy Lane side have not been working effectively meaning that end is particularly bad.

"The food kiosks were sold out before half time and Sue behind the bar was rolling barrels from every corner of the stadium and even had to call in extra staff, so I'm sure the Stadium Company has had a bumper day as well.

"There was a real feel good factor about the place and I know Alan (coach) was really pleased with the onfield side of things.

"We have been really unlucky in previous years, losing games to frost, rain and snow, we have played something like three home friendlies in three years.

"We have probably underestimated the power of a good pre-season.

"We have started in the right way and we hope to take that into the weekend's game with Oldham and keep the roll going ahead of the season starting in March.

"I'd like to thank all of the Stadium staff and the football club for putting the work in during the week to get the game on as well as Marwan Koukash, Tim Sheens and all of the guys at Salford for help making the game a great success"

Tap2 Ticketing

The use of the Tap2 ticketing system is currently under review for 2016 season.

It is hoped that improvements to the system can be made in time for the 2016 season, meaning that those season ticket holders who have renewed can use the Tap2 cards again next season and new cards issued for our new season ticket holders.

If the system isn't up and running the club has provisions in place for a back up system and will let supporters know in advance of the first game against Hunslet in March.

Any supporters who have bought an e-ticket for this Sunday's fixture can collect a ticket from the club shop to gain entry via the turnstile.

Ins and outs

Former Warrington player Chris Riley is moving closer to signing for Hornets, with the Challenge Cup winner now able to commit after securing a full time job.

Riley, who made his debut as a trialist at weekend, is a former Super League top try scorer who linked up with Alan Kilshaw for pre-season following his release from Wakefield.

"We have agreed terms, we just need to finalise it", said Hornets CEO Ryan Bradley.

"Chris just wants to get back to enjoying rugby and now he has a full time job secured he is secure financially off the field.

"If it was about money for Chris he would have signed for Halifax, Swinton or North Wales but it's not, we have agreed a deal that is affordable but we just need to make sure the income is there.

"It's difficult for us as we need to wait and see what season tickets and membership brings in before we fully commit.

"Hopefully we get a few more season tickets renewed this week and at the Oldham game which will allow us to commit.

"I'm sure he will be a top player for us and we hope to get him over the line next week."

Riley's signing will be a direct replacement for Ireland international Brad Hargreaves, who is having to take time out from the game to concentrate on his business.

Ryan Bradley said: ""Brad wants to be playing every week but given his commitment away from the field to his own business he often struggles to get to training.

"With community game dual registration he probably could have dropped back to Wigan St Pats when not playing for us which would have kept his interest, but with that option not there he has chosen to focus on his business rather than rugby and we can't blame him.

"It is a loss for us, Ireland and rugby league but if the pathways aren't there then we can't blame players who focus their talents elsewhere."

Trialist Tom Connick has also left the club to join Ian Talbot at St Helen's reserves.

Ryan Bradley said: "Killer [Alan Kilshaw] isn't overly concerned as he has Kane Ditchfield on trial running in that position and he has brought in another half back on trial as well.

"Warrington are also blessed in that department, so we will have the option of a half on dual registration as well.

"I would like to pass on our best wishes to Tom who was a great professional whilst with us."

There are still players without a sponsor for the 2016 season.

Jono Smith, Jack Francis, Harry Files, Corey Lee, Jo Tairia and Stuart Biscomb are all still available to sponsor from as little as £250.

A sponsor gets the players shirt at the end of the season, a link on the website and acknowledgement in the programme, team sheets and tannoy announcements.

Email: info@hornetsrugbyleague.com