Rangi Chase hoping to add “magic” to Hornets

Josh McAllister

Former England international Rangi Chase says he is hoping to bring some “magic” to Rochdale as he links up with the Crown Oil Arena side for the remainder of the 2021 season.

The 35-year-old was recently released by West Wales Raiders due to family reasons with the distance from his children becoming an ongoing issue, and the club acted quickly to sign the experienced half-back to their 2021 squad with half-back Rob Fairclough ruled out for the season and Ryan Forshaw serving a six-game ban.

The former NRL and Super League half-back won the Steve Prescott Man of Steel award in 2011 and was named in the Super League Dream Team in the same year. He earned eight caps for England between 2011-13, and is hoping to help Hornets with their promotion push.

“I just want to bring my experience and help guide the team around at first. I want to find my feet then hopefully add some magic,” said Chase.

“What attracted me firstly was being closer to my kids. And having played them (Rochdale) in round one of the 2021 season, I just thought they were really physical and I was sore for the rest of the week!”

Chase joins the likes of rugby league cult hero Fuifui Moimoi and current Hornets captain Sean Penkywicz, who recently made his 400th career appearances following spells at Halifax, Huddersfield, Leigh, Toronto and Workington, while also earning three caps for Wales.

“I’m looking forward to playing with Fui and Penky,” added Chase.

“They will be good to play on the back of. Hopefully I can get a good combination with Penky and get some wins and push for promotion.

“I’m looking forward to working with Matt Calland. He seems like a good bloke and is enthusiastic about his rugby.”

Hornets return to the Crown Oil Arena for the first time in front of fans this season on Sunday as the club hosts North Wales Crusaders, with tickets just £10 and kids go free.

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League 1 Rochdale Hornets

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