Hornets sign two more players for next season

Rochdale Hornets has announced the signings of front row forward Zac Braham and utility Will Cooke for the 2023 Betfred League 1 season.

Braham most recently played League 1 rugby for Doncaster, and was influential in the South Yorkshire’s side run to the 2021 play-off final.

Braham then took time away from the game in 2022, to focus on family and work commitments, but is now raring to get back out on the pitch.

Cooke, 25, is an outside-back who most recently featured for Oldham in 2022, having previously played for Oxford, Hunslet and Keighley Cougars. He also spent two years at Castleford Tigers’ academy as a youngster.

Braham said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to have signed for Rochdale - they’re a good club and the fans are very passionate. I’d like to thank Gary and Andy for giving me the opportunity to play at this level again, after taking a season off due to work commitments. My work situation has changed giving me the time I need to commit to rugby, and the fire burning inside of me to play is massive. I feel rejuvenated as a player and I can’t wait to get going.

“I’ve always enjoyed my rugby whenever Gary’s been in charge; he’s a great bloke and I enjoy playing for him. I’m working hard already away from rugby to get myself in the best physical condition I’ve ever been in. I want to have a massive year personally and give my all for the club so I’m really looking forward to meeting the lads and getting stuck into pre-season.”

The 27-year-old had worked with Hornets head coach Gary Thornton in his first spell with The Dons, as well as in his time at Hunslet, and Thornton is excited to have to him in his squad once again.

He said: “Zac is an explosive front rower who will soon become a big fans favourite at Hornets, and I am absolutely over the moon to get him on board. He will carry strongly and get us on the front foot, proving to be a real handful for opposing packs.

“I’ve worked with him before at Doncaster and Hunslet and I know what he brings to the squad, both on and off the field. He’s a great character and a good bloke too who will always give his all for the team, and will soon become a popular addition to the group.

“He’s been out of the game for a year, taking time out to get married and start a family, so I know he is chomping at the bit to get back at it. He has the full support of a great family too, and they will become big supporters of our club.”

Chairman Andy Mazey is also looking forward to seeing Braham out on the field.

He said: “We are incredibly pleased that we’ve been able to bring Zac to Rochdale Hornets for 2023 and he will certainly beef up the pack with his size and power.

“He is a proven forward at this level, which Gary feels will help bring on the younger lads within the pack - and the squad.”

 

 

On joining Hornets, Cooke said: “When I first spoke to Gary about the opportunity available, it was one I was very excited about.”

“Being honest, last year probably wasn’t my best. But having worked under Gary before, the chance to work with him again and get back to some of my best rugby was too good to pass up.

“Having done some work with the Hornets Foundation as part of the Back Onside Project, I know how dedicated so many people are within the club and what a great group of fans the club has, so it’ll be great to pull the shirt on in front of them all.

“I’m just really excited to getting going again and to get stuck into pre-season. We’re putting together a strong squad capable of pushing for the play-offs and that’s the goal from speaking to Gary the squad has certainly set.”

Head coach Gary Thornton added: “Cookey is a real good pro and a great addition to the group.

“Although still a young man, he has lots of League 1 experience and can cover a number of positions equally well, either in the outside-backs or in the back-row if needed.

“Will has had some bad luck with injuries over the past couple of seasons, and I just hope he can get a good run of games under his belt and fulfil his potential.

“Will trains hard and plays hard and will leave nothing on the pitch, wherever he plays. I’m really pleased to have him on board and he will give everything to the team and be a valuable member of the squad.”

Chairman Andy Mazey is pleased with how the 2023 squad is beginning to take shape.

He said: “Will Cooke is another player who is no stranger to Gary and by all accounts has a great attitude and comes with plenty experience – as well as a desire to be part of what we are building here at Rochdale Hornets. Welcome to Hornets, Will.”