Halifax loan Maneely to Hornets

Correspondent

Halfiax have loaned hooker Ryan Maneely to League 1 club Rochdale Hornets.

Maneely will link up with the Hornets until the end of the regular League 1 campaign, with the option of extending the deal throughout the Super 8’s and play-offs available if the circumstances are right for both Hornets and ‘Fax.

Maneely came through the ranks at Warrington Wolves, earning an England call up at U16s level and appearing in the U19s grand final for the Wolves.

He has gone on to earn a call up for the full Scotland squad whilst establishing himself as a Championship hooker at Halifax.

Maneely moved to Halifax in 2015 and made 24 appearances, scoring four tries. He has played nine first-team games for Halifax this season as well as featuring for the reserves.

“Alan was keen to freshen up his squad and add some quality in certain areas but the finance hasn’t been available to do so,” Hornets CEO Ryan Bradley said.

“We have relied on Warrington more than we thought we would have but when the money isn’t there and planned fundraisers don’t happen you cut your cloth accordingly.

“The deal with Ryan has come at the perfect time for all parties. We are thankful to Halifax for allowing the player to come to us and also to Ryan who just wants to get on the field and show what he can do.”

Rochdale coach Alan Kilshaw said he is delighted to attract a player of Maneely’s talent to the club.

“Ryan was one of the form players in the Championship last season and we feel he can recapture that form with us,” he said.

“He is a local lad that can play at both 9 and 13 so gives us some good options.”

The Hornets have also taken former Crusaders front-rower Harry Cartwright on trial.

Cartwright, who has completed a suspension for a doping violation, is looking to earn a pay as you play deal as a replacement for John Cookson, who retired from professional Rugby League earlier this season.