Jack Darbyshire extends Hornets stay until end of season

Leigh Leopards centre Jack Darbyshire's loan spell at Rochdale Hornets has been extended until the end of the season.

Darbyshire joined on an initial short-term loan deal in mid-May but has quickly impressed the club hierarchy, scoring twice on his Hornets debut in a 56-12 victory over Workington Town. 

He also started the Hornets' most recent Betfred League 1 outing, a hard-fought 24-18 win at Newcastle Thunder.

The former Warrington Wolves scholar was recalled by Leigh ahead of their reserves fixture against Hull KR last weekend, but the decision has now been made to allow him to return to the Crown Oil Arena for the remainder of the 2024 season. 

Rochdale Hornets head coach Gary Thornton said: "I'm really pleased to have Jack with us for the rest of the year. It gives us and him some stability going into the second half of the campaign. 

"He’s done really well since he came in to cover our injury situation, and he has fitted into our group really well. I'd like to extend my thanks to Andy Mazey, Chris Chester and everyone at Leigh for making this loan move possible."

Chairman Andy Mazey said: "Jack enjoyed his initial two-week loan spell and has fitted in brilliantly with our group. 

"He has demonstrated his qualities to the Rochdale fans in his two games to date, so we are naturally delighted to have extended his loan deal until the end of the season."