Joe Purcell joins Hornets from Cornwall

Rochdale Hornets has announced the signing of Cornwall half-back Joe Purcell, for the 2023 season.

The talented playmaker had an impressive first season with The Choughs, and is an exciting addition to Gary Thornton’s options in the halves.

Hornets’ latest signing had several clubs to choose from but was won over by the Rochdale style of play.

He said: “I chose to sign with Hornets after I spoke to Gary and got a really good feeling about the club.

“I had a few offers from other clubs but jumped at the chance to sign with Rochdale. After watching them this season, and playing against them, I was really impressed with the style of play and thought it would suit me well.

“The lads have a good strong pack which allows the backs to play eyes-up rugby with some great finishers on the outside - and that really appeals to me. Hornets have had a great season and I’m looking forward to getting in there and hopefully adding to the team.

“I’m very competitive so I’m hoping to win as many games as possible and I’m looking forward to meeting all the lads and getting started for an exciting year.”

Having began his career at Halton Hornets, Purcell caught the attention of hometown club Widnes Vikings where he played for their development side.

The 23-year-old also represented Wigan Warriors’ under-19 outfit, before making the move to the south coast.

In an open trial, Purcell won the admiration of head coach Neil Kelly immediately and, in doing so, became the first ever player to sign for the club.

Kelly’s faith in the young Englishman was more than re-paid this year and Hornets’ head coach Thornton is confident he can do the same for him in 2023.

He said: “I am delighted to have Joe on board. He comes with a good pedigree having been in both Widnes and Wigan academy systems.

“Having attended an open trial for the new venture at Cornwall, he impressed enough for Neil Kelly to offer him a contract, and for a young man to move away from his hometown and back his own ability, shows great character.

“He put himself in the shop window at League 1 level, and has done really well down there playing pivot in a development team with developing players around him.

“Following his decision to come back up north, there was interest from a few rival clubs, so I am really pleased he chose Rochdale to further his development. We will give him the platform to kick on this season and I hope he can fulfil his potential and become a pivotal member of our 2023 squad.

Hornets’ chairman Andy Mazey is also expecting big things of Purcell.

He said: “Joe is a fantastic young talent and an exciting player with solid rugby league pedigree having spent time in the Widnes and Wigan development systems, prior to a breakthrough year in League One with Cornwall this season.

“He’s a player that caught Gary’s attention whilst playing in fixtures against us but also while reviewing other Cornwall games - so he moved quickly to secure his services.

“Our supporters can be excited to see Joe in a Hornets shirt in 2023.”

Purcell is the third player to have signed for next year as Gary Thornton prepares for his first full season as head coach.

Squad announced so far: Nixon, Killan, Purcell.