Roper returns to Rochdale

Halfback Steve Roper has left Oldham and signed for Rochdale Hornets.

Roper spent four seasons at Spotland before signing for Scott Naylor’s men midway through the 2014 League One campaign.

He was an influential member of the 2015 promotion side, but he has played in only 12 of 24 cup and league games this season and he hasn’t seen action since limping off injured near the end of the 46-10 defeat at Dewsbury Rams on June 12.

Roper and club captain Lewis Palfrey were virtually automatic half-back selections last season, but Gareth Owen and Danny Grimshaw provide competition now and David Hewitt has arrived from Sheffield Eagles on loan.

Club chairman Chris Hamilton said: “Steve asked for his contract to be terminated, saying he felt he would be better off elsewhere, and we didn’t want to stand in his way.

“He hasn’t been getting in the side recently, but we wish him well and we would like to thank him for his services.”

In total he played 49 games for Oldham, scoring eight tries and kicking 67 goals and three drop goals for 169 points.