Max Flanagan signs new one-year deal

Rochdale Hornets full-back Max Flanagan has signed a new one-year deal ahead of the 2026 season.

Flanagan has spent the last two seasons at the club, operating primarily at full-back but also in the halves when called upon. 

In total, he has featured 26 times in Hornets colours and scored 14 tries - 13 of which have come during a 2024 campaign which saw him average nearly a try per game. 

The 24-year-old has shown considerable development over the last 12 months, and we are delighted that he has agreed to commit his future to the club as preparations continue for a new-look second tier next season. 

"I’m thrilled to be staying on for another year," Flanagan said. 

"Regular playing time has been a massive step in my development, and I’m excited to build on that next season. 

"The opportunity to test myself in a higher division is something I’m really looking forward to, and it was clear from the negotiations that the club and I share the same competitive mindset. 

"There’s a real belief in what we’re building here, and I’m grateful to be a part of it."

Rochdale Hornets head coach Gary Thornton said: "Max has developed really well this season with more game time, and we have seen the potential he has. 

"Brave in his carries out of back-field and tough defensively, he will be even better next season after this year's experience. 

"He’s played at full-back and pivot and done equally well in both.

"He’s also learnt a lot from Gregg McNally and has earned the first-choice full-back role next season, so I’m delighted he has re-signed."