Rochdale Hornets bring in trio including two from Championship on loan

Rochdale Hornets have added three players to their squad ahead of their trip to Midlands Hurricanes in League 1 on the weekend.

Sheffield duo Lewis Peachey and Joe Hird have made the move on initial two-week loan deals and are both in contention for Sunday’s fixture.

Peachey, 21, left Castleford at the end of last season to link up with the Eagles in the Championship.

He has made one appearance for Mark Aston’s side so far this season, named on the bench in their 36-0 win over Batley.

Ex-Leeds reserves captain Hird also made the move during the off-season on a two-year contract. He is a product of the Stanningley community club and previously had spells on loan at Cornwall and Hunslet. 

The prop forward is yet to make an appearance this season.

Welsh forward makes move to Rochdale Hornets

Head coach Gary Thornton has also added 25-year-old welsh forward Sion Jones to his squad for 2023. He made his first and only appearance for Wales to date back in 2018.

He has previously featured for Halifax and Hunslet.

“It’s been a long time coming, and it feels good to finally get it over the line,” he said.

“I’m getting stuck into another season, season eight now and I’m starting to get that kind of love for the game back which went missing a bit.

“So, I have Gary [Thornton] to thank for that, also Alan Kilshaw. I also see what’s happening with IMG and the recent success of the World Cup as big draws to get back into it.

“With a young squad I bring a little experience, then on the field and in training I like to think I add a bit of intensity to everything, including being a bit of a handful.”

Thornton added: “Sion is a powerful forward who likes to get the ball in his hands and he will help us with our pack going forward.

“We are happy to secure him for the rest of the season and hope he makes a great impact.”

READ NEXT: Hull KR enter dual-registration partnership with Championship club