Baker aiming to cement place in starting squad

We caught up with Zac Baker as he returns to the club for 2021 after a stint in Australia.

Forward Zac Baker says he is hoping to cement his position in the starting team as he links up with the club for his second stint.

Baker originally joined the Hornets in 2019, signing with the club after impressing with amateur side and partners Rochdale Mayfield and went on to make 13 appearances, scoring two tries.

He left the club ahead of 2020 and spent a year in Australia featuring for Mullumbimby Giants, who compete in the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League competition.

"I absolutely loved my time Down Under," he said.

"I got to see the full east coast. I made memories of a lifetime and wouldn’t change it for the world. The lifestyle is unreal."

Baker returned to England on November 27 to link up with his new teammates in pre-season, as the squad prepare for a big year in League 1, including the club's 150th anniversary.

He joins the likes of Fuifui Moimoi, Gavin Bennion and Josh Jordan-Roberts in the forward pack, who all signed with the club ahead of the 2021 campaign, while reuniting with Callum Marriott, Shaun Ainscough and more at the Crown Oil Arena.

"It’s been a sharp start to pre-season," Baker said. 

"All the boys are buying into what the coaches want and expect. It’s a really good environment to be around.

"All the boys have been very welcoming, it’s been really easy to settle in and get stuck in because of the vibe around the camp.

"The lockdown is not really ideal for us as we got off to a flying start to pre-season, but I'm sure all the lads will be doing what they can to keep fit after we had an insight to what we were going to be in for the first session back after Christmas.

"I want to cement my place in the team and contribute in as many ways as possible in what’s hoping to be a successful year."