Two new additions for Rochdale Hornets

Rochdale Hornets have announced month-long loan deals for highly-rated Leigh Leopards centre Jack Darbyshire and Widnes Vikings winger Ollie Brookes.

The pair have joined the club in time to feature against Workington Town this Sunday.

Darbyshire came through the scholarship and academy ranks at Warrington Wolves before joining Leigh on a 12-month contract ahead of the 2024 season.

He is the son of the late Paul Darbyshire, who made over 100 appearances for Warrington between 1989 and 1997 and also enjoyed representative honours with Great Britain’s U21s.

Brookes, meanwhile, joined Widnes at the age of 15 and progressed through the club’s ranks before linking up with their first team squad ahead of the 2021 season. 

To date, he has scored 10 tries in 19 games for the Vikings but has been restricted to just one appearance so far in 2024.

Brookes is no stranger to the Crown Oil Arena, having spent a short time at the club on loan last season. He featured three times for the Hornets, scoring twice.

Rochdale Hornets chairman Andy Mazey said: "We’d like to thank our friends at both the Leigh and Widnes clubs for their assistance in making both loans possible. 

“This double deal will provide cover for injuries and also give Gary Thornton some quality options ahead of some important games in the coming days and weeks.”