30 Oct 2022

Hornets sign Dave Hewitt for 2023

Rochdale Hornets is proud to announce the signing of scrum half Dave Hewitt – for the 2023 Betfred League 1 season.

Having represented local rivals Oldham – since 2017 – Hewitt is now looking forward to playing his rugby nine miles up the A627M.

“After speaking to Gary about the club’s intentions to rebuild a new squad and culture at the club, and given the current time in my career where I’m looking for a fresh start and more responsibility, it was a perfect fit and I can’t wait to get started.

“Our intentions for the season have to be to make the play-offs, finishing as high as possible in this division, and with a new squad we will just have to target each game week-by-week and not get too fixated on where we could finish.”

The 26-year-old came through the academy of hometown club St Helens, and also represented England at Schoolboys and Academy level, before signing professional with Sheffield Eagles in 2016 -and Hornets head coach Gary Thornton is delighted to have brought in a player of such pedigree.

He said: “I’ve always been a big admirer of Dave during his time at both Sheffield and Oldham, and I’m delighted to have him on board for next season. In a year where we have lost all our pivots, we are effectively rebuilding and I thought it was really important to get an experienced half-back on board.

“Dave will bring great organisational skills and manage the gameplan for us on the pitch. He is a well-respected half-back and, although still a young man himself, will pass on his experience to help the younger members of the team.

“Dave has a great skillset with the ball, makes good decisions and has an awesome sidestep close to the line. He also possesses a terrific kicking game and will complement the way we want to play. I’m really looking forward to working with him and seeing the influence he will have on our new look side.”

In his time with the Roughyeds, Hewitt amassed an impressive 362 points across his 130 appearances making him highly sought after, by a number of clubs.

However, Hornets chairman Andy Mazey is extremely satisfied to have won the race.

He said: “Everyone knows half-backs are vital and experienced Championship/top-end League One halves, such as Dave Hewitt, are in short supply.

“We believe this is an important piece of business, for the club, and a significant part of Gary’s jigsaw for 2023.

“There was a lot of interest and competition for his signature but by being decisive and making the changes we did earlier this year, ultimately getting our house in order, we have been able to move quickly on recruitment targets such as this. Welcome to Hornets, Chewy”.

To sponsor Dave in 2023, contact Steve.Kerr@hornetsrugbyleague.com

Squad announced so far: Nixon, Killan, Purcell, Connolly, Swarbrick, Boardman, Berry, O’Hanlon, Roden, Straugheir, Aspey, Tyrer, Hewitt.

Image courtesy of LoveRugbyLeague

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