Rochdale swoop for Shaun Ainscough

Rochdale have signed former Wigan winger Shaun Ainscough from Batley on a one-year deal.

Ainscough, 28, scored 17 tries in 13 appearances for the Warriors at the start of his career, then playing on loan for Widnes and Castleford before moving to Bradford.

He spent a year Down Under with South City Bulls and then returned to the UK first with Whitehaven, and has then spent the past four seasons at Batley.

He said: “I’m looking forward to a new opportunity with Rochdale and I hope I can make an impact in 2019.

“Having missed the back end of the season with Batley, I am excited about getting stuck into pre-season and meeting the lads.”

Head coach, Carl Forster, said: “Having spoken to Carl about this year’s plans, I believe we can turn a few heads and compete in the Championship.

“Shaun is obviously a quality player, he’s experienced in this league and will bring a lot to our younger boys.

“I’ve known Ainy for many years and I’m made up to bring him to Rochdale. It will be great to play and work alongside him again.”

Ainscough is the second Super League experienced winger to join the Hornets in the off-season, following on from the signing of ex-Widnes and Castleford man Paddy Flynn.