Hornets sign halfback Lewis Else

Rochdale Hornets is delighted to announce the signing of halfback Lewis Else, for the 2023 Betfred League 1 season.

Else spent the 2022 campaign at nearby Swinton Lions, where he scored 6 tries in 13 appearances.

The 22-year-old would’ve featured more for Swinton had it not been for work commitments but was still influential as Allan Coleman’s side won promotion back to the Championship at the first attempt.

Else is now hoping for another memorable campaign this time around.

He said: “I’ve heard nothing but good things from the people I’ve spoke to about the club, which excites me. I already have really good mates here so the chance to enjoy some rugby with them also attracted me.

“I’m looking forward to meeting all the other lads as well and I’m expecting us to have a good season. We have a young, energetic, team with a nice mix of experienced players to guide us towards that top end of the table so I can’t wait to get going.”

Despite his young age, Else already has Championship experience from his time at Widnes Vikings whom he joined as a scholar at the age of 15.

He then made the switch to Heywood Road where he was outstanding for the Lions throughout their promotion bid and, as a result, Hornets head coach Gary Thornton is thrilled to have acquired him for 2023.

He said: “This is a major signing for us, and I’m delighted we managed to secure the services of this very talented young halfback. I thought Lewis was one of the standout pivots in League 1 last year, and was unlucky to miss out on the end of season honours - in my opinion.

“He was superb in a promotion-winning side and showed great maturity with his decision making and high skillset for such a young man. He brings a winning mentality to our group in a very key position.

“Again, he has come through really good academy systems at Widnes and learned his trade well, and he will become an integral part of our new look squad.

“I’m excited to see how the partnerships grow within the spine of the team, as that area looks particularly strong across 1, 6, 7 and 9, and Lewis will become a valuable member of the group. He’s also a good bloke and is very ambitious so we are really looking forward to working with him.

Chairman Andy Mazey is equally excited to have the former Wigan St Patricks man on board.

He said: “We are absolutely thrilled to bring Elsey to Rochdale Hornets in a deal which will no doubt raise a few eyebrows, as it is a major coup for our club.

“Lewis is a class act and was a top performer for Swinton in League One this year, most notably in the games against us when he was head and shoulders the best halfback on the park.

“He has some good friends within our camp already and we are delighted that he has chosen to be part of this exciting young looking Hornets outfit for 2023.”

To sponsor Lewis 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, Blackwood, Else.

Image courtesy of Peter Green – Swinton Lions RLFC