Rugby league: Rochdale Hornets’ latest signings for 2023

Rochdale Hornets has made three new signings for the 2023 season: Cameron Berry, AJ Boardman and Harry Swarbrick.

Berry has been signed from fellow League 1 side Hunslet, having had an impressive first season with the Yorkshire outfit.

His father Joe, a Scotland international, represented Hornets from 2001 to 2002 and the forward is keen to follow in his footsteps.

He said: “I felt it was time for a new challenge, with a new club. 

“I already knew Gary and what a good coach he is. And, with my Dad having played for the club previously as well, Rochdale seemed like the perfect fit.

“I want to play as many games as I can in 2023, and hopefully cement my place as starting hooker, and help this historic club win promotion back to the Championship.”

The 21-year-old began his rugby career at Dewsbury Celtic before signing with Bradford Bulls, whom he represented until 2021.

Hornets head coach Thornton is confident Berry will build on his promising start to professional rugby league.

He said: “Cam is a young hooker who came through the Bradford Bulls academy system, and played at first team level with Bradford during their spell in League 1. He then moved to Hunslet last season, where he covered both hooker and loose forward comfortably.

“He is a quality modern-day hooker and his distribution from dummy half is first class. He also defends really well too, so he’ll complement our pack perfectly.

“I’m looking forward to working with Cam and helping him develop further to fulfil his undoubted potential.”

Chairman Andy Mazey is particularly excited to see Berry in a Hornets shirt, having made attempts to sign him in the past.

He said: “Cam is a player we have been aware of, for a few years now, having previously tried to sign him on loan from Bradford.

“This is a smart piece of business and Gary moved very quickly to secure him. He will undoubtedly be one of the best nines in the competition in 2023.”

 

 

AJ Boardman has joined the club after being at Midlands Hurricanes last season.

He is relishing the opportunity to work with head coach Gary Thornton, having played for him previously in his time at Hunslet.

He said: “An opportunity arose, that I wasn’t expecting, and I couldn’t say no. I’ve been coached by Thornton before and I like his style of coaching and the values he stands for.

“Seeing the strength and depth within the squad is really exciting so hopefully I can add to that. I’m looking forward to pre-season, with the lads, and am ready for this new challenge.

“On a personal note, it’s also great to be able to move back closer to home as it gives me more time with my family and my business while also being able to fully commit to rugby.”

Although having played rugby league since the age of seven, Boardman’s mountain biking commitments – which saw him represent his country at two world cups – meant that he didn’t make the step up to League 1 until 2020.

However, having known him from his days at Dewsbury Moor, AJ impressed Thornton when handed a trial at the West Yorkshire outfit and has played in the division ever since.

Thornton is thrilled at the chance to work with the 32-year-old again.

 

 

Centre Swarbrick joins Hornets from a familiar opponent in North Wales Crusaders, where he was part of an impressive campaign in which the Welsh outfit finished third.

The 25-year-old is no stranger to the top of League 1 either, having been part of the Barrow Raiders team that won the competition in 2021, and is hoping for more success when the new season comes around.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to kicking on, after having a great year over at North Wales last season.

“I’ve always enjoyed the atmosphere when playing against Rochdale, so I’m excited to get to play in front of the fans every week.

“I’m keen to build on where I’m at, as a player, and under Gary, I’m confident we can push for great things in 2023.”

Swarbrick, who can also play at hooker or loose forward, captained Warrington Wolves at academy level before an ACL injury – when playing for Salford Red Devils – appeared to have taken him out of the game.

However, his passion for the oval ball was re-ignited when playing rugby union for Skipton before then switching back to league to represent Thatto Heath Crusaders.

From there, the versatile Swarbrick was offered a trial at Barrow and grabbed his chance with both hands.

His development since then has been clear to see and Hornets head coach Gary Thornton is confident he will be a valuable asset to the squad next season.

To sponsor any of the Hornets players, contact Steve.Kerr@hornetsrugbyleague.com