Hornets sign Will Cooke for 2023

Rochdale Hornets can confirm the signing of utility Will Cooke for the 2023 League 1 season.

The outside-back most recently featured for Oldham in 2022, having previously played for Oxford, Hunslet and Keighley Cougars.

Cooke, 25, also spent two years at Castleford Tigers’ academy as a youngster.

“When I first spoke to Gary about the opportunity available, it was one I was very excited about,” Cooke said on joining Rochdale.

“Being honest, last year probably wasn’t my best. But having worked under Gary before, the chance to work with him again and get back to some of my best rugby was too good to pass up.

“Having done some work with the Hornets Foundation as part of the Back Onside Project, I know how dedicated so many people are within the club and what a great group of fans the club has, so it’ll be great to pull the shirt on in front of them all.

“I’m just really excited to getting going again and to get stuck into pre-season. We’re putting together a strong squad capable of pushing for the play-offs and that’s the goal from speaking to Gary the squad has certainly set.”

Head coach Gary Thornton added: “Cookey is a real good pro and a great addition to the group.

“Although still a young man, he has lots of League 1 experience and can cover a number of positions equally well, either in the outside-backs or in the back-row if needed.

“Will has had some bad luck with injuries over the past couple of seasons, and I just hope he can get a good run of games under his belt and fulfil his potential.

“Will trains hard and plays hard and will leave nothing on the pitch, wherever he plays. I’m really pleased to have him on board and he will give everything to the team and be a valuable member of the squad.”

Chairman Andy Mazey is pleased with how the 2023 squad is beginning to take shape.

He said: “Will Cooke is another player who is no stranger to Gary and by all accounts has a great attitude and comes with plenty experience – as well as a desire to be part of what we are building here at Rochdale Hornets. Welcome to Hornets, Will.”

To sponsor Zac 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, Braham, Cooke.

Image courtesy of Keighley Cougars