Rochdale Hornets sign young amateur pair

Rochdale have announced the signings of forward Ben Metcalfe and half-back Scott Parnaby on dual registrations.

Metcalfe,16, signs from local side Rochdale Mayfield while Parnaby, 17, signs from Oldham based side Waterhead Warriors. Both worked with Head Coach Matt Calland before when he was coaching at Hopwood Hall College in Rochdale.

For both players, it will be a chance to continue their rugby league educations in a semi-professional environment. They will also have the chance to learn from experienced players like Rangi Chase and Fuifui Moimoi.

Parnaby has trained with Rochdale before, in the run up to the 2021 season.

Rochdale give young players a chance

Speaking to the club website, Metcalfe said: “I’ve been working really hard on my game so to be able to train with a club like Rochdale Hornets, at 16-years-old, is a real honour and an amazing achievement.”

Head Coach Calland added:”Ben is a really tough no-nonsense sort of player.

“He’s only just started at college, but his effort and application have impressed me that much that I have invited him to train with the first team.

He is a credit to his local club – Rochdale Mayfield.”

Meanwhile, Parnaby said of his move: “It’s a pleasure to be a part of this club and I’m looking forward to trying to push into the squad.”

Calland added about Parnaby: “Scott worked with us last pre-season and that, as well as training full-time with me at Hopwood Hall College, has done him the world of good.

“He has come on leaps and bounds and has bags of potential so we’re hoping for big things from him, maybe not this season but certainly soon.

“It’s a pleasure to be a part of this club and I’m looking forward to trying to push into the squad.”

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