Young forward Ben Metcalfe joins Hornets

Rochdale Hornets have signed talented young forward Ben Metcalfe ahead of the 2026 season.

Metcalfe returns to the club for a second spell, having first joined back in 2022 from Rochdale Mayfield. 

A product of the Mayfield system, he made his Betfred League 1 debut aged just 16, before leaving the club to explore an opportunity with Warrington Wolves' academy, during which time he had the chance to tour Australia. 

Metcalfe also played for England Community Lions' Under 19s in Serbia during the summer of 2024 and was part of the side that won the European Championship with victory over France in the final. 

More recently, he has been playing regularly with Mayfield at open age level in the National Conference League.

Now, after a successful trial period during pre-season, Metcalfe has agreed terms with the Hornets ahead of the new Betfred Championship campaign. 

On the move, the 20-year-old said: "I’m very excited to step up and prove myself in this environment, and I'm looking forward to the upcoming season."

Rochdale Hornets chairman Andy Mazey said: "Ben has been with the group throughout pre-season, having felt the time was right to test himself in the professional game. 

"We've kept an eye on his progress at Mayfield in the NCL. He's mature physically and has really impressed Gary Thornton and our performance staff, so we are absolutely delighted to have agreed terms with him for 2026."