Shaun Ainscough commits future to Rochdale

Rochdale club captain Shaun Ainscough has signed a new deal for the 2021 season.

Ainscough, 30, is the third player to commit to the club this week, following veteran hooker Sean Penkywicz and youngster Callum Marriott.

He said: “I’m really pleased to be signing a contract extension with the club and to be a part of what we have built as a team from players to backroom staff,” said Ainscough.

“Hopefully we can build on where we left off when the game restarts.

“It was looking to be a great team that Matt Calland and the coaching staff and board have built, and to be a part of a club that is moving in the right direction and pushing for promotion in the 2021 season is exciting.”

Ainscough came through the ranks at Wigan, and scored 17 tries in 13 appearances for the Warriors first team, and had loan spells at Widnes and Castleford.

He moved on to Bradford in 2011 before a stint in Australia, and has since played for Whitehaven and Batley, moving to Rochdale in 2019.

Hornets coach Matt Calland said: “It’s great to have signed Shaun for 2021.

“He was unlucky with an injury earlier this season, and I am sure he will come back stronger than ever.

“He is a player who always gets us on the front foot early in the tackle count and is a real character to have around the place.”