Squad update: ins and outs confirmed ahead of Cornwall Clash

Rochdale Hornets’ squad has been bolstered ahead of the season run-in with the arrival of Wigan Warriors hooker Tom Ratchford on loan.

The youngster will link up with the Hornets until the end of the 2024 season. 

Due to concussion protocols, he will be unavailable to face Cornwall but could come into contention for his debut against Newcastle Thunder on August 17.

Ratchford signed his first contract with the club in 2021, as part of the Warriors’ scholarship programme. Since then, the former Wigan St Judes man has gone on to impress at both academy level and in the reserve grade.

Such high levels of performance saw him called up to the England Academy squad in 2023, as well as Lancashire’s Academy Origin squad.

Another player who will be staying at the Crown Oil Arena until the end of the season is young Hull FC half-back Mackenzie Harman, who has already featured in two 21-man squads for the Hornets and made his debut in the club’s 14-10 victory over Midlands Hurricanes last month. 

He made six Betfred League 1 appearances earlier in the campaign for Newcastle Thunder.

Veteran outside back Misi Taulapapa has also agreed a loan extension until the end of the 2024 season, having impressed during his two appearances for the Hornets to date.

Taulapapa was part of Doncaster's promotion-winning side of 2023 and will be another valuable option ahead of the run-in.

The club can also confirm that young St Helens playmaker Will Roberts has returned to parent club St Helens following the expiry of his loan deal. 

Outside back Joe Hartley will also spend the remainder of the season on loan at Workington Town. 

He made his Town debut last month, scoring a try in their 44-0 victory at Newcastle Thunder.

Rochdale Hornets chairman Andy Mazey said: “We are delighted to add Tom to the group for the remainder of the 2024 Betfred League 1 season. 

“He is highly thought of by the coaching team at Wigan, and his performances in the Super League reserves competition earned an England Academy call up-in 2023. Tom will add further strength and depth to Gary’s dummy half options for the business end of the campaign. 

“Macca [Mackenzie Harman] has shown a lot of quality, both for and against us this season, so it's a fantastic boost to have been able to extend his agreement until the end of 2024 season before the deadline. 

“Thanks must go to Simon Grix and the Hull FC club for facilitating this deal, which was deemed an important piece of business in light of Martyn Ridyard's current injury.

“It's great to also be able to keep Misi with us for the remainder of the season. His experience and qualities have really stood out in recent performances, and he's a tough competitor who is relishing the opportunity of a strong finish to the year in a Hornets shirt. 

“Thanks must go to my good friend Carl Hall over at Doncaster for supporting us on this one.

“We are disappointed to have been unable to extend the loan agreement for Will Roberts. St Helens’ current situation means Paul Wellens could not commit to being without him for the remainder of the year, and he may well be needed for the coming Super League games. 

“We wish Will well and thank him for his efforts in a Hornets shirt. I would also like to say thanks and wish St Helens all the best for the remainder of 2024.”