Rochdale sign Hand from Swinton

Rochdale Hornets have completed the signing of Jordan Hand for the remainder of the season following the front rower’s request for a release from Swinton Lions.

The former St Helens forward will link up with Alan Kilshaw’s squad ahead of the clash with the Lions on Easter Monday, and will add size and aggression to the Hornets pack.

“Jordan’s signing shows our intent to continue to be competing at the top end of the Championship,” commented Kilshaw.

“We have been looking for a replacement since we lost Warren Thompson and after Danny Bridge filled that void short term we now have an outstanding front rower until the end of the season at least.”

Hand has already featured for Hornets in his career on dual-registration when the club were partnered with Saints, and he is looking forward to reuniting with some familiar faces.

“It feels good to have signed for the club,” he admitted.

“It’s a nice fresh start for me so I’m buzzing really.

“I know a few of the lads because I’ve played with a lot of them before, the likes of Jordan Case and Danny Yates back in the day.

“I’ve been at the club before so I know a few of the people from there and there’s a lot of familiar faces at the club.”

Kilshaw was a big influence in his decision to sign for the club and his ambition to move the club forward was a big factor.

“I spoke to Killer on the phone and that pretty much made my mind up for me.

“He seemed really genuine and realistic about the goals that he has for the club.

“He’s very ambitious and wants to get the club going forward so I’m thinking that Rochdale are going to be moving up that table, and next year they might be looking at a top four finish.”

In an already competitive forward pack the signing of the former Super League prop forward adds more depth to the squad, and Hand feels he can bring a lot to the table.

“I’ll bring some hard work and a bit of aggression to the forward pack.

“I don’t expect to just walk into any team but I’ve just got to get back fit now and look at my own performance.

“I want to get back training and get back playing well.

“I’m just going to take each week as it comes really, just game by game and week by week.”