Ex-Widnes winger Sam Freeman set for Rochdale

Rochdale are set to sign former Widnes winger Sam Freeman.

Freeman, 20, scored four tries on his Vikings home debut earlier this year in a win over York City Knights and was their Under 19s Players Player of the Year in 2018.

But he left the club at the end of his contract having not been offered a new deal, much to the academy product’s frustration.

He now gets the chance to help Matt Calland’s Hornets secure an immediate return to the Championship.

Set to be taken over by a consortium led by ex-Swinton chief Andy Mazey, Rochdale have ramped up recruitment for next season, as well as announcing a number of re-signings including winger Shaun Ainscough, who had a spell at Widnes on loan earlier in his career.

Freeman, who made eight first team appearances for Widnes, has also spent time playing on dual-registration for North Wales Crusaders.