ROCHDALE HORNETS R.L.F.C. PLAYER PEN PICTURES 2007 SEASON
Previous seasons

SHAUN GARTLAND (Head coach); Former under 21 coach, promoted to head coach on 17/07/2007.

ANDREW GORSKI (SECOND ROW); Club Captain starting his fourth full season at the Club and as in previous seasons is bound to be one of the leading performers. Hornets fought of a number of Clubs who were showing interest in gaining his signature, to retain his services for the 2007 season. As usual Andy was a model Professional and his usual consistent self, making 20 appearances scoring 5 tries.

ROB BALL (PROP); Rob played a big part in Hornets play-off push during 2006 and has been a loyal servant to the club since his debut season of 2004. Rob has had a huge off season and big things are expected of him this in 2007. Rob is a popular figure around the club and a fans favourite with his no nonsense style of play. In 2006 he made 15 appearances 5 of them from the bench. Previous clubs were Wigan and Leigh.

MARK McCULLY (CENTRE); Mark suffered a huge set back at the end of the 2006 season when after suffering an injury at Hull KR it was infact diagnosed as a ruptured medial knee ligament. Having undergone a full knee reconstruction just before Christmas the early part of 2007 will be all about rehabilitation for Mark. As usual Mark was a major contributor in 2006 making 26 appearances scoring 7 tries and 66 goals for a total points haul of 160 making him the Clubs leading points scorer of 2006.

RYAN BENJAFIELD (PROP); Ryan made a successful return to English Rugby earning him an extended contract at the club. He was an extremely consistent performer and always made a reliable contribution last term. His Professionalism around the Club and work in Local Schools also didn’t go un noticed. He made 13 full appearances last term with a further 8 from the bench collecting 3 tries.

PAUL NORMAN (PROP); A model Professional in every sense of the word with his on field performances always being of a consistently high standard. An extended stay at Hornets was just reward for the effort he put in during 2006. All of Paul’s 18 appearances came from the bench scoring 3 valuable tries along the way. His previous clubs were Oldham and Leigh.

CRAIG ROBINSON (PROP); Small in stature but big in heart was how most Hornets fans described Craig during his debut season of 2006. His bustling style of play made him an instant hit with fans with Craig revelling in the environment of first team rugby. Most of Craig’s off season has been spent recovering from a hernia operation but should be fully fit come the start of the season. Craig made an impressive 20 appearances in 2006 with the majority as a substitute collecting 2 tries.

KEVIN KING (CENTRE); Darren Abram made an inspired signing when he coaxed Kevin away from Wakefield mid way through the 2006 season. His huge frame allows him to make telling breaks and also makes him devastating when close to the line. It was Abram’s priority to make the deal for Kevin a permanent one during the close season. Kevin’s other asset is the huge goal kicking boot he possesses which will almost certainly ensure that he will be up at the top of the charts come the end of the season. Kevin made 14 appearances during 2006 scoring 4 tries, kicking 45 goals leaving him with a point’s total of 106.

PHIL HASTY (HALF BACK); Another player that joined mid way through last season with Hornets capturing his signature in front of a host of waiting Yorkshire clubs from York City Knights. Phil is a quick elusive half back that can put in devastating performances similar to the one at Widnes last season. Phil started his career at Hunslet before moving to Hull Kingston Rovers. Phil’s total appearances for 2006 were 13 scoring 2 tries and 3 field goals.

ANDREW BAILEY (SECOND ROW); Joined Hornets mid way through the 2006 season as part of the deal that took Phil Farrell to Oldham in exchange. Unfortunately Andy’s latter part of the season was dogged by a thumb injury which has subsequently required an operation. Andy’s previous experience includes a stint in the Super League with Hull FC and a National League stint with Castleford Tigers. Despite the injury Andy made 7 appearances towards the end of the 2006 season and will be looking forward to an injury free 2007. He will be targeting Easter to make his return.

TOMMY GOULDEN (LOOSE FORWARD); Tommy was devastated when a serious wrist injury cut short his season in 2006. This also seemed to have an impact on the team as Hornets went into a minor slump as we looked to plug the get left by Tommy’s injury. At the time of the injury Tommy was playing the best rugby of his career and had already collected 6 man of the match performances. Tommy has now set his sights on picking up where he left off in 2007 and there is nothing to suggest that Tommy cannot get back to the form he showed in early 2006. Tommy made 16 full appearances in 2006 notching 6 tries along the way.

MATT WHITTAKER (SECOND ROW); Although still relatively young Matt is an experienced campaigner. Darren Abram has been a long time admirer of Matt’s style of play and will hope that he can have a consistent and injury free 2007. Matt’s trademarks are his pace and his ability to make breaks especially from out wide. Matt comes to Hornets after spending the latter part of 2006 at Halifax. He has played in Super League for three different clubs Huddersfield, Widnes and Castleford.

BYRON SMITH (PROP); Byron joined Hornets in the closed season from National League one rivals Halifax. Byron is another Player that joins the club having enjoyed spells of his career playing in Super League with both Halifax and Castleford. Byron has a reputation for being a tough uncompromising forward. That together with his wealth of experience will be a big boost to Hornets’ pack in 2007. He has also represented Wales.

IAIN MARSH (CENTRE / SECOND ROW); Iain is the son of former Hornets favourite of the 70’s Derek and joins the club from Batley Bulldogs. Previous to Batley Iain played for Oldham and Salford City Reds making 5 appearances for the Reds in Super League. He is equally at home at Centre or Second Row and has always had a good tries to game ratio. Iain is a full Scottish International.

GARY HULSE (UTILITY BACK); The signing of Hulse from Widnes is a massive addition to the Hornets squad with Abram admitting that he wanted to add experience to the team at Half Back and with Gary’s versatility he is seen as the ideal signing. Hulse is equally at home in either half back position, Hooker or Full Back. Gary has played 62 Super League games for both Warrington and Widnes and currently represents Wales. Gary will be eager for the 2007 season to start having missed most of the previous season through injury.

SIMON SVABIC (STAND OFF); Simon joined in the closed season from rivals Oldham and is another player that brings a wealth of experience with him. He played over 20 Super League games in his spell at Salford City Reds notching over 50 points in the process. He will be the Player that Coach Abram will expect to guide the team around the field. Simon also had a spell with Leigh Centurions.

MARK BLANCHARD (SECOND ROW); Mark joins Hornets from York City Knights where he enjoyed a relatively successful 2006 having previously served Hull Kingston Rovers for a number of seasons. A strong running forward Mark always has a good try to game ratio due to his blockbusting style of running. He averaged a try every other game for York last season. Mark has also had a spell playing Country Rugby League in Australia.

BALOUAGI FAGBORUN (WING); Yet another signing with Super League credentials Balu is probably the signing that most Hornets fans will be excited at the prospect of seeing in action. Balu is likened to ex Hornets legend Henderson Gill with his sheer pace and running style. He joins the club from Huddersfield Giants where he found first team opportunities limited, however they were very reluctant to let him go. Connections at Huddersfield informed Hornets that over certain distances Balu was by far the quickest in the squad.

WAYNE CORCORAN (HALF BACK / LOOSE FORWARD); Wayne is a Rochdale lad who is delighted to have finally linked up with Hornets after having spells at Halifax, Dewsbury, Oldham and Mayfield from where he join in the closed season. Wayne is another member of the squad who has played at Super League level in 2003 with Halifax. Wayne is a skilful talented player who is versatile, this was one of the attributes that interested Abram. Wayne can play in either of the half back positions, Hooker or Back Row. Wayne was always a stand out performer in our 5 tussles with Oldham last season. Can also kick goals.

ERIC ANDREWS (WING); Eric can be best described as a points machine having been Blackpool Panthers top points scorer for the last two seasons. Playing in a struggling team Eric amassed an amazing 106 points for Blackpool last season and was by far the stand out performer. Regarded as one of the quickest wingers in division two he was keen to try his hand at a higher level and Hornets Coach Darren Abram was keen to give him this chance having previously worked with him at both Leigh and Chorley.

JON GLEDHILL (SECOND ROW); Started his rugby career playing for Morley Rugby Union Club, before he joined Huddersfield’s Academy system before moving to Wakefield. Jon made the move to Hornets during the off season and quickly earned a contract by impressing Darren Abram during per season training. Jon is at home playing either Second Row or Prop. Jon was voted under 21 player of the year and Players Player of the year at Wakefield last season.

DANNY SAMUELS (LOOSE FORWARD) A product of the highly successful Batley Boys set up He then earned a scholarship at Leeds Rhinos before moving onto Huddersfield and then Wakefield from where he joined Hornets. Danny was a regular in Wakefield’s Academy last season and was on the verge of earning a full time contract at Wakefield before the change of management occurred towards the end of the season. Danny is another highly regarded young prospect with a point to prove.

PAUL ANDERSON (CENTRE / SECOND ROW); The injury nightmare Paul suffered in the last couple of years seems to be coming to an end after successfully picking up the pieces of his career in 2006. Paul managed to make 19 appearances in all competitions in 2006 with the majority of them coming from the bench. Paul scored 3 tries at vital time in the latter part of the season. Previous clubs include Leigh, Oldham, St Helens and Sheffield. Unfortunately released approx. 29/06/2007, and we believe has joined Doncaster.

NICK JOHNSON (WING); Nick missed virtually the whole of the 2006 season at Halifax due to a serious injury that he has now fully recovered from. The previous season he was Oldham’s top try scorer, form he will be hoping to repeat at Hornets having worked extremely hard during pre season training. Nick’s main assets are his sheer pace and upper body strength. Unfortunately released approx. 29/06/2007.

LEE PATTERSON (CENTRE / WING); Made a successful transition from National League two scoring some fantastic tries along the way during the 2006 season. Lee played the majority of the season on the wing which gave him ample opportunity to show his electric pace. 2006 turned out to be a good season for Lee as he became one of the teams most consistent performers. He made 28 appearances and returned a healthy 18 tries. Joined Halifax approx. 29/06/2007.

DARREN ABRAM(COACH); Appointed Tuesday 29th November 2005. Left 09/07/2007


DAVID McCONNELL (HOOKER); Dave is starting his third full season at the Club and in that time he has made himself a key component of the side. His organisational skills are exceptional, he always leads from the front and is a major asset for the club. Again Dave committed himself to the club despite interest from a host of rival National League clubs. David is a full Scottish international and is equally as important within their set up being the Scottish stand out performer in their recent World Cup victory over Wales. In 2006 Dave made 23 full appearances collecting 7 tries along the way. Left for Leigh approx. 18/07/2007

CHRIS GILES (FULLBACK); It was a clean sweep for Chris as far as the Clubs end of season presentations went, which was an accurate reflection of his 2006 performances. The wonder tackle at Batley must have been one of the best ever seen in a Hornets shirt. Chris was given the opportunity to have an extended run in his favoured position of Full Back a chance he took with both hands putting in many a "Man of the Match" performance which again caught the eye of Super League and National League clubs. In 2006 the Player of the Season made 30 appearances collecting 21 tries along the way making him the Clubs leading try scoring and the Player that made the most appearances.Left for Leigh approx. 18/07/2007

SIMON BALDWIN (PROP); Simon is probably the most experience player to join Hornets ranks during the closed season having played nearly 130 games in Super League for Sheffield, Halifax and Salford. His experience will be invaluable in what is expected to be the toughest National League campaign to date. Simon also knows his way to the try line being a regular try scorer in Super League. It was a real coup when Hornets beat off many clubs to secure his signature for the 2007 season. Hornets fans will be looking forward to seeing his trademark line busting runs. Left for Whitehaven approx. 18/07/2007