ROCHDALE HORNETS R.L.F.C. PLAYER PEN PICTURES 2008 SEASON : Previous seasons

DARREN SHAW (COACH); Returns to Hornets after a spell as coach at Leigh, replaces Bobbie Goulding as head coach of Hornets.

PAUL ANDERSON (ASSISTANT COACH); HORNETS have appointed former player Paul Anderson, as assistant to head coach Darren Shaw.

CRAIG ROBINSON (PROP); During the tough times of the 2007 season Craig always led from the front, never allowing his head to drop. His battling qualities and loyalty to the cause have been rightly rewarded with Craig named Vice Captain for the 2008 season, a fitting tribute to the former Wakefield man. All Craig’s 15 appearances came from the bench scoring 4 tries.

WAYNE CORCORAN (HALF BACK / LOOSE FORWARD);

Wayne was another player that showed loyalty beyond the cause during the 2007 season. Despite requiring a shoulder operation for the majority of the season Wayne bravely played on showing immense courage which was all too lacking during 2007 but Wayne chose to fight on un selfishly delaying his operation. Wayne should be back fitness for the start of February and will be hoping to back up 2007 with another big season. Wayne made a total of 23 appearances 12 from the bench scoring 3 tries.

ERIC ANDREWS (WING);

The highlight of 2007 for Eric was the magnificent solo matching winning try he scored in the Challenge Cup verses Celtic Crusaders. That try gave everyone a glimpse of just what Eric is capable of giving the space and a chance to run at the opposition which in 2007 was limited. Eric has enjoyed his stay at Hornets and was only too willing to pen a deal for 2008. No-one made more appearances than Eric’s 28 in 2007. He scored 10 tries in all competitions.

DANNY SAMUELS (LOOSE FORWARD)

Danny successfully made the transition from U’21 to First Team Grade during 2007 and will now be hoping to push on and make a real impact in 2008. Danny was one of the mainstays of last years successful U21’s team making a significant contribution at that level despite suffering a number of injuries.

CARL SNEYD(CENTRE)

TODD O’BRIEN (HOOKER)

A consummate Professional Todd found First Team opportunities limited in 2007 but got his reward for some brilliant U’21 performances by featuring regularly in the First Team towards the end of last season. Todd’s leadership qualities earned him the Captains role in the U21’s last term but Todd’s goal this season will be to cement a place in the First Team. Todd played the final 3 games of 2007 2 of the appearances being from the bench.

SAM BUTTERWORTH (STAND OFF)

Had three great seasons with Hornets from 2004 – 06 before linking up with former Coach Darren Shaw at Leigh were Sam had an exceptional season and was instrumental in Hornets downfall on both occasions the sides met last term. Sam will have benefited from his time away from the Club but is really pleased to have re-signed for his home town Team. Sam played 21 times for Leigh last term scoring 3 tries.

PAUL ALCOCK (SECOND ROW)

Paul (25) started his career at Warrington Wolves a product of their youth system and spent four seasons there before moving to neighbours Widnes Vikings. Widnes gave Paul his Super League debut v Wakefield in 2001 and he went onto make 15 Super League appearances for the Cheshire Club. His next move took him to Swinton in 2006 having previously had a spell on loan with the Club in 2005. Moved to Hornets in Autumn 2007 citing Bobbie Goulding as the main reason for his decision to switch clubs. In 2007 Paul made 15 full appearances and a further 2 from the bench scoring 4 tries.

ANDREW MARSH (PROP)

Andrew is a product of the highly successful Widnes Vikings youth set up and has also been involved with both the England and Great Britain students Rugby League teams. Although only 19 Andrew has figured in a number of high profile matches including two Senior Academy Grand Finals and taking part in the Carnegie Students Ashes Series v Australia. His performances in these matches have now earned him a chance in the Professional ranks.

CHRIS SPURR (CENTRE)

Chris (27) has spent his entire career playing in Yorkshire before deciding to take up Bobbie Goulding’s offer to refresh his career across the Pennines at Hornets. Another product of the Great Britain Students set up Chris signed professionally for Featherstone in 1997 before moving onto Batley and then York from where Hornets secured his signature. Has always featured prominently in the try scoring column for all the clubs he has played for. Chris featured 28 times for York last term scoring a healthy 12 tries in the process.

MARTIN AINSCOUGH (STANDOFF)

Product of the Widnes Academy Martin (22) played for both the Junior and Senor academy at Widnes and was awarded junior academy Player of the year in 2002. Another player that has played against Australia for Great Britain Students and also toured Australia in 2003. Martin also played for England Students in the World Cup that was held in Australia. With chances limited at Widnes Martin signed for Leigh for the 2007 season playing 18 times scoring 10 tries.

MIKE GRADY (WING)

Mike is the type of Club man coach Bobbie Goulding enjoys having in the squad. At 26 he has already played at 7 different clubs including French outfit Albi. English clubs he has features for include Warrington Wolves, Whitehaven, York, Oldham and Warrington Wizards. Mike will feature predominantly in the under 21’s were the young heads will benefit from his vast experience.

CHRIS FORSTER (HALF BACK)

A product of Ryland Sharks Chris was taken to Doncaster by John Stankevich during the 2007 season where he impressed, turning in a Man of the Match performance against Hornets at the Keepmoat. Chris won the BARLA player of the year in 2006/07 having picked up the Man of the Match award playing against Australia u18’s during the 2007 season. Chris is eager to continue his progress under Bobbie Goulding during 2008. Chris featured 6 times for Doncaster last year notching 4 tries.

DAVID NEWTON (PROP)

Dave re joins Hornets after having a spell away from the club at Swinton and there is no doubt that that he returns to the Club a better Player for it indeed he was very highly regarded at Swinton and they were bitterly disappointed to lose him. Dave made a Grand Final appearance for Swinton in 2006. 10 full appearances with a further 10 from the bench was Dave’s record last year scoring 2 tries.

DAVID BEST (PROP)

Another Player that is in his second spell at the Club having spells at Oldham and more recently Batley in between. David has really matured as a player and his power and toughness upfront will be a major asset to Hornets this season. Dave is a Player who feels that he has got un finished business at Hornets. David’s appearances last term were limited to 9.

CHRIS CAMPBELL (WING)

Chris returned to the Club during closing stages of last season and was delighted to extend his stay when Bobbie Goulding was appointed coach. In between spells at the Club Chris has been playing for the highly successful Warrington Wizards outfit. After an excellent pre season Chris will be hoping to recapture the form he showed during the 2004/05 seasons. Chris scored 1 try in 6 appearances on his return.

IAN SINFIELD (SECOND ROW)

Ian left the Club in 2003 to join Keighley were he made the first of his two Grand Final appearances. Ian then had two highly successful seasons at Keighley before moving onto Swinton and then to his hometown team for a second time Oldham, were he was a Grand Finalist in 2007. His leadership qualities will be invaluable and his knowledge of National League two a great asset for Hornets in 2008. Ian played 24 times for Oldham last season scoring 2 tries.

CHRIS HOUGH (HALF BACK)

Although only in his mid twenties Chris can be best described as a much travelled seasoned pro. Along with a previous spell at Hornets Chris has played for Oldham, Swinton, Doncaster, Batley and also had a loan spell at Leigh last season. Chris has been a constant thorn in Hornets over the years and his organisational qualities and kicking game will give Hornets a new dimension this season. Chris was mainly used off the bench last term for Swinton he made a total of 17 appearances scoring 2 tries and 3 goals. At Leigh he made 7 full appearances scoring 1 try.

MARK BROCKLEHURST (CENTRE)

An "oldhamer" Mark played his junior rugby at Waterhead where he was picked up by Wigan. Mark played a couple of seasons in the junior ranks at Wigan before he joined Swinton at the start of the 2007 season. He scored four tries in 14 appearances last term for the Lions.

ALEX BROWN (WING)

A powerful winger who joined Keighley at the start of the 2006 season from the amateur game he was playing for the Huddersfield Sharks club. He became soon became a crowd favourite at Keighley scoring a number of long range tries which earned him the 'most improved player' award at the end of the 2007 season. Alex scored six tries in 14 starts last season. Alex was looking for a new challenge in 2008 and was delighted to become one of Bobbie Goulding’s first signings.

CRAIG FARRIMOND (BACK ROW)

Craig played his junior rugby at Warrington Wolves where he captained their Senior Academy and gained a promising reputation earning himself a place in the Super League U 21s select squad. He has since played for Oldham and Swinton where he has been extremely unlucky with injuries over the past couple of seasons. Now fit and raring to go Bobbie will be hoping for big things from him in 2008. Craig was restricted to 4 full appearances last term with 7 more from the bench.

ANDY GOREY (WING)

An extremely quick outside back Andy spent the early years of his career at Oldham where he became a first team regular after coming through the Academy where he was coached by current Hornets U21’s coach Shaun Gartland. Andy started 7 games last season for Oldham scoring two tries. He has been playing for Oldham Rugby Union Club during the closed season.

WESLEY LAWTON (HOOKER)

One of the four players signed in the close season from NL3 team Warrington Wizards, after a string of impressive performances when being watched by Bobbie. He comes with a reputation as a tough tackling number nine and will be looking to take his chance when it is presented to him.

DANNY SHAW (WING)

Speedy winger who was in the National League Conference team of the year last season scoring 25 tries for Warrington Wizards. Danny has age on his side being able to play in the U21’s but he will be hoping to take his first team opportunity when it comes along. He will be one of the quickest players in Hornets 2008 squad.

TOM WILD (PROP)

A Scotland B international Tom was also a member of the NLC team of year last season and is now looking to make the step up to NL2 after a big pre season.

MIKE CALLAN (PROP)

After coming through the ranks at Warrington Wolves where Mike made four Super League appearances for them off the bench in the 2002 season, he moved onto Leigh where he played in the promotion year of 2005. Mike’s career then took him to Blackpool then on to Oldham. After taking a year out of the game Mike is now looking forward to making a big impact in 2008.

MIKE STOUT (CENTRE / SECOND ROW)

Another player renowned for having a quick turn of foot, Mike has played for Swinton, Blackpool and Oldham after coming through the academy at Widnes. Mike started last season at Oldham where he scored one try in 4 appearances, he then moved on to Blackpool where he scored seven tries in 17 appearances in what was a struggling campaign for the Panthers. Mike is relishing the new challenge presented to him at Hornets.

MARK ROUGHNEEN (FULL BACK)

A goal kicking utility back, Mark is in his second spell with Hornets after playing in the clubs academy in his early years. The fourth recruit from the successful Warrington Wizards team of last season whom Bobbie is keen to have a closer look at.


LEFT 29/5/2008 : Bobbie Goulding is back as the head coach

Hornets' director Karen Reynolds said "Bobbie will bring enthusiasm, charisma and passion to Rochdale Hornets. The thing that he spoke about throughout our talks was having an unfinished job. He has a lot of affection for Rochdale Hornets and has come back here to finish the task."

Goulding had two successful seasons in charge at Spotland in 2004 and 2005 when he was twice nominated as National League coach of the year.

LEFT approx 30/5/2008 : PHIL FARRELL (BACK ROW)

Returns to the Club as Assistant Player Coach to Bobbie Goulding having had a spells away at Oldham and Batley. Phil is extremely eager to get onto the coaching ladder and sees the position at Hornets as an excellent opportunity to do this. When called upon Phil’s on field experience will be an added bonus and his input with the younger players will be typically positive. A mid season departure from Batley only allowed Phil to make 11 full appearances 1 more as substitute scoring 1 try.

LEFT approx 30/5/2008 to Dewsbury : JIMMY ELSTON (HOOKER)

Jimmy will be the Captain for the 2008 season as his leadership qualities were quickly spotted by the coaching staff. Jimmy is relishing the new challenge presented to him across the Pennines having spent the early part of his career in Yorkshire playing for Wakefield, Dewsbury and latterly with York City Knights. Jimmy’s career has been a rewarding one so far having played Super League for Wakefield, made a Grand Final appearance for Dewsbury and gained promotion with York. He will be hoping to continue his successful career in Lancashire. Jimmy operated predominantly from the bench last term. His 12 full appearances were backed up with a further 17 from the bench, ending with a total of 6 tries.