Hornets bring in three new faces on loan

Rochdale Hornets have brought in three new players on loan ahead of Sunday’s return to the Crown Oil Arena to face Midlands Hurricanes.

Doncaster outside back Misi Taulapapa has arrived on a month-long loan, with young half-backs Will Roberts and Mackenzie Harman joining on initial two-week deals from St Helens and Hull FC respectively. 

Taulapapa needs no introduction to fans of the British game, having made well over 300 appearances at club level across the Betfred Championship and Betfred League 1, and a further four at international level for Samoa. 

The 42-year-old was part of Doncaster’s League 1 promotion-winning side last year, scoring six tries in 15 appearances for the club throughout 2023.

Also making the move to Greater Manchester is young St Helens half-back Roberts, who first joined the club at the age of 14 through their scholarship programme. 

He has progressed through the Saints ranks, from U16s to U18s, before more recently catching the eye at academy level by scoring 11 tries in six appearances at the start of last season. 

Such development saw the 19-year-old given the opportunity to feature for the club’s dual-registration partners Swinton Lions last month, making his professional debut against Batley Bulldogs. 

Completing the trio of new arrivals is fellow playmaker Harman, who joined Hull FC’s academy in 2022 after a successful stint as a scholar with the club.

The teenager became a permanent member of the Black and Whites’ first team squad at the end of the 2023 season but has yet to make a senior appearance.

Instead, he has spent time on loan at Newcastle Thunder in recent weeks, making his debut for the club against the Hornets back in May. 

With Martyn Ridyard set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious ankle injury against Workington last weekend, and fellow first-choice half-back Lewis Else also missing that game due to a leg injury, the club believe it is necessary to bring in new faces to help ease our current issues.

Rochdale Hornets chairman Andy Mazey said: “I think it’s fair to say that injuries have become a concern over the past couple of weeks, particularly in the half-back positions. 

“We are fully committed to supporting Gary in maintaining a strong squad. Gary and I have been working overtime since Sunday, and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to secure these loan deals in respect of Misi, Will and Mackenzie.

“Hopefully the whole squad will feel a positive boost as a result, ahead of our return to the Crown Oil Arena this Sunday. 

“I want to extend a big thank you to my good friend Carl Hall over at Doncaster for his support. Misi needs no introduction and brings a wealth of experience to what is largely a young backline, and will certainly add a physical presence. 

“I would also like to thank our friends at St Helens and Hull FC for facilitating these arrangements. With their support, we have managed to bring in two full-time athletes and very promising young half-backs, which will help us at a time when our recognised halves are both carrying injuries.”