Declan Sheridan praises “exciting” Hornets squad

We caught up with Declan Sheridan as the squad continue preparations for the 2021 season

Rochdale Hornets hooker Declan Sheridan has labelled the 2021 squad “exciting” as the club recently returned to pre-season training under head coach Matt Calland.

Sheridan, who plays alongside brother and half-back Lewis at the club, was one of several players to agree to a new contract for 2021 after the 2020 season was cut short due to the pandemic.

In 2020, the Hornets managed just one League 1 game, defeating Keighley Cougars 29-14 at the Crown Oil Arena, while making it to the fifth round of the Challenge Cup before being knocked out by Championship opponents York City Knights.

The club's League 1 campaign kicks-off at home at the Crown Oil Arena as we are set to host West Wales Raiders in the opening round.

“It definitely is an exciting squad to be part of,” said Sheridan.

“It’s a good blend of youth and experience and a good core of local lads in there which is always good to see and I’m proud to be a part of that. 

“There hasn’t been much chance to mix as a full group due to Covid and training in little groups, but I’m sure when everything is back up and running, it’ll be a good group to be part of.

“Pre-season was really challenging before it got stopped. There were some tough sessions in there but it was nice to get back into a routine of training.”

The Hornets returned to training last weekend, reporting 0 cases of Coronavirus, and have restarted their preparations for a big season ahead as the club celebrates its 150th anniversary.

“Everyone is looking forward to getting back out there and hoping to have a successful year for which is a special year for the club,” Sheridan added.

“I just want to get as many games under my belt. I’ve not really played much at this level, so I’m really looking forward to testing myself and hopefully cementing a place in the team but with a strong squad comes competition for places, so it won’t be easy but that’s what’s needed at this level to compete.”