Matty Hadden and Joe Taira on the ball to put Rochdale on the map

Photo: Jackie Meredith

Joe Taira (centre) and Matty Hadden (right)

Two Rochdale rugby players who fought their way from amateur to professional teams have said they want to put the town on the map by helping Rochdale Hornets secure promotion.

Matty Hadden, 25, and Joe Taira, 28, first played for the Rochdale Cobras before being snapped up by Rochdale Hornets this year.

Although Hadden is originally from Northern Ireland and Taira from Fiji, both players have said that they chose Rochdale as their “new home” so they could pursue their ambitions with the Hornets.

Both were even hired by The Flying Horse Hotel to top up their wages and give them the best shot possible at starting their careers locally.

Landlord Ben Boothman said: “These lads have got serious talent and they’ve got what it takes to make careers with the Hornets. I needed staff, they needed a starting point to settle in Rochdale, so I was more than happy to help.

“They are both determined and highly skilled young chaps and it’s going to be great to watch them succeed.”

Matty Hadden said: “I love Rochdale, and I’m over the moon to be playing for the Hornets. I really hope we can get promoted this year and work towards some new goals.”

Joe Taira said: “The weather in Rochdale isn’t as good as in Fiji, but the people are amazing and it’s great that I’ve been signed up to Rochdale Hornets. As far as I’m concerned this is my home now, I plan to stay here and really make a career here.”

Rochdale Hornets is one of the original twenty-two rugby clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union in 1895, making them one of the world's first rugby league clubs.