Ex-Huddersfield academy prop Dom Newton joins Hornets

Experienced front-rower Dom Newton has joined Rochdale Hornets on a deal until the end of the season.

Newton previously spent three years in the academy of Huddersfield Giants.

He later went on to join Oldham and made 22 appearances for the club between 2022-23, featuring alongside best friend and current Hornets forward Luke Nelmes.

The 32-year-old, who trained during pre-season with his local community club Newsome Panthers, will provide an extra option in the front row.

Newton watched his new side from the stands last weekend as the Hornets maintained their perfect start to the Betfred League 1 season with a 68-0 thrashing of Cornwall.

"I'm really excited to be joining Rochdale,” he said. 

“I spoke with GT [Gary Thornton] ahead of last season, but I'd just had a newborn baby and changed jobs, so it didn't quite work out.

"I know a lot of the boys in the changing room and played junior rugby with Jordan Andrade, Nelmesy and Jaden Dayes, so it should be an easy transition. 

"I'm looking forward to getting back into it. I had a tough pre-season with my community club, Newsome Panthers, so I'm in a good place physically and can't wait to rip in."

Rochdale Hornets head coach Gary Thornton said: “We have brought Dom in to strengthen our options in the middle unit, having lost a couple of players recently.

“Dom has League One experience with Oldham and is well-known to most of our squad. He is an experienced front-rower and will be a welcome addition at this stage of the season.”