Dean Roberts signs permanent deal with Hornets

Rochdale Hornets have signed front-rower Dean Roberts on a permanent basis following his release from Betfred Championship side Featherstone Rovers.

Roberts, who arrived at the club at the beginning of June and has gone on to feature six times in total, has penned a deal which runs until the end of the 2024 season. 

Last year saw the 27-year-old play 14 games for Doncaster during their title-winning Betfred League 1 campaign. He went on trial at Featherstone the following pre-season and did enough to sign a permanent contract heading into the current campaign. 

On the decision to stay, Roberts said: “I’m really happy to have signed for Rochdale until the end of the year. It just felt right after my brief spell on loan. 

“The lads are such a great bunch. They are willing to work really hard for each other on the field and I really like that.

“Gary Thornton and the team are building something really strong here at Rochdale. I’m excited to see how the rest of the year plays out, and hopefully do the club and the fans proud.”

Rochdale Hornets head coach Gary Thornton said: “Dean came in from Featherstone and made an immediate impact, so we are delighted that he has agreed to a permanent move. 

“This gives us stability going into the play-offs, and Dean is a good character who has fitted into the group really well. He will be an integral part of our squad during the run-in.”

Chairman Andy Mazey said: “Deano signing permanently till the end of 2024 is another good piece of business for us, as it eliminates the risk of him being recalled by Featherstone. 

“Dean, as he's shown already, is an athletic, no-nonsense middle, so his capture is another timely boost heading towards the play-offs.”