Zac Baker returns to Hornets for 2025

Rochdale Hornets have welcomed home back-rower Zac Baker on a one-year deal ahead of the 2025 season.

The 26-year-old arrives having spent a year in the amateur game with Rochdale Mayfield.

He previously featured for Oldham, where he made 17 appearances during the 2023 season and scored five tries.

Before then, Baker made 37 appearances for the Hornets during a four-year spell which was disrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

He now returns to the Crown Oil Arena looking to pick up where he left off in the professional game and make an impact during his second stint at the club. 

On his return, Baker said: “I’m really looking forward to coming back, and there seems to be a really good aura around the club after a positive season.

“I’ve played with a lot of the lads at the club before and they’re all great, so I should settle back in well. My focus now is on having a strong pre-season once that starts up, and then cementing my place in the squad for next year.”

Rochdale Hornets head coach Gary Thornton said: “We’re really pleased that Zac is rejoining us for 2025. Having worked with him before he left for Oldham, I know the qualities he will bring.

“He had a great season with Oldham in 2023 before taking a year out to build his business. He’s a local lad, and having spent a couple of seasons away from the club, I’m sure he’ll be raring to go next season.

“Zac is a quality back-rower with plenty of experience at League 1 level. He’s tough and uncompromising in defence and runs a good line in attack, and I know he’ll be a strong addition to the squad.

Chairman Andy Mazey said: “We are delighted to bring Zac Baker back for 2025. He’s a Rochdale lad, and another quality product of the outstanding Rochdale Mayfield club.

“Zac was one of Oldham’s top performers in 2023, and I’m sure he’ll add even more steel to our pack in 2025.

“I know Gary Thornton, Riddy [Martyn Ridyard] and Gregg McNally will manage his natural aggression and really get the best out of him in a Hornets shirt.”