Hornets sign ex-New Zealand and Samoa international Junior Sa'u

Rochdale Hornets have completed the signing of former New Zealand and Samoa international Junior Sa'u on a one-year deal ahead of the 2026 season.

A Four Nations winner with the Kiwis, a Samoa representative, and with a wealth of NRL and Betfred Super League experience to his name, Sa'u's arrival represents a major coup for the Hornets.

Sa’u has spent the last four seasons at Keighley Cougars, making 56 appearances for the club.

The majority of his NRL experience came with Newcastle Knights, where he scored 26 tries in 86 appearances. 

Following a brief stint at Melbourne Storm, Sa'u completed a move to Salford Red Devils ahead of the 2014 season and went on to be crowned their Player of the Season in his first year.

Over a five-and-a-half year period, Sa'u played 142 times for the Red Devils, scoring 60 tries in the process.

He counts Wakefield Trinity and Leigh among his former clubs, with a year also spent in North America's premier rugby union competition with Old Glory DC.

On the international stage, Sa’u featured nine times for New Zealand and was part of their victorious Four Nations squad in 2010. 

He also represent Samoa twice, including at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. 

His signing is a testament to the hard work being conducted behind the scenes to build a competitive squad for the 2026 campaign, and it also underlines the belief he has in the club's vision for the upcoming season and beyond. 

Alongside his playing duties, Sa’u will take on a new community outreach role with club partners Edstart Sports Coaching, strengthening the Hornets’ presence in local schools.  

“It’s really exciting for me to take on this new challenge,” he said. 

“Throughout my career I’ve loved challenges, it’s what has kept me going. I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep playing the sport I’ve loved since being a little kid. 

“I’ve always been a professional, on and off the pitch as well. I pride myself on keeping fit and feel like I’ve still got plenty to give.

“I’ve never lost my drive to compete at a high level, and I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my career with this great club.”

Rochdale Hornets chairman Andy Mazey said: "Junior is a big name with a wealth of NRL and Super League experience, and is well-known for being a consummate professional.

"Without a doubt, he is a good fit for us as we look to significantly improve standards and the culture at the club in 2026.

"With the retirement of three senior professionals, Gary Thornton was keen to add some experience to the group, and Junior has played in some big games during his career for some of the greatest coaches in the world.

"Having done our homework and gotten to know him through the process of recruiting him, it's evident that he’s still a fantastic athlete who is addicted to training and in remarkable shape.

"Away from the field, he will also be working with our strategic partner Edstart in local schools, and will be an asset in the community as a clean-living role model for young people and Hornets supporters to engage with.

"I'm really excited to see him in a Rochdale Hornets shirt. This is a great signing for us on a number of levels."