Rochdale Hornets have released their squad numbers for the 2026 Championship season.
Gary Thornton’s side are due to take on Halifax Panthers in their first pre-season friendly this weekend and ahead of the game, they have confirmed how their squad will be shaped.
In total, seven of the club’s new signings have been given starting squad numbers and that includes Jamie Dallimore and Jordan Paga, who have arrived from North Wales Crusaders and Swinton Lions respectively. Dallimore will wear six and Paga seven this season, with the pair taking on the half positions following the retirement of Martyn Ridyard and the exit of Lewis Else.
Former Leigh Leopards and Salford Red Devils man Junior Sa’u has taken the number four shirt at the age of 38.
Meanwhile, Ross Whitmore, who joined Rochdale midway through last season and Jaden Dayes are the only members of the starting pack who aren’t new signings with Lewis Hatton, who has joined from Keighley Cougars, taking 10, while Matty Unsworth, Ethan Wood and Jordan Syme take 11, 12 and 13 respectively.
Former Wigan Warriors youngster Dylan Kelly-Duffy takes 17, while ex-Salford man Jamie Pye has been handed the 23 jersey.
Elsewhere, Max Flanagan has replaced Gregg McNally at one, while Tom Ashton and Ben Will have moved up the squad list to claim three and five.
“With the squad we’ve assembled, I’m confident that there is real depth in every position, with a blend of youth and experience ready to challenge for a spot in our matchday 17,” Thornton said on the release of the squad numbers.
“That’s something Andy Mazey and I have been working hard towards, to ensure we have the personnel needed to deal with what we know will be an unrelenting Betfred Championship season.
“However, it is just a number and comes with no guarantees. It’s what’s inside the shirt that counts, not what’s written on the outside.
“The lads will need to work hard consistently for a spot in the matchday 17, no matter what number they wear.
“The group have worked really hard ahead of Sunday’s opening pre-season friendly, and I’m excited to see how some of our new combinations play out as we take another big step towards the 2026 campaign.”
Rochdale Hornets squad numbers: 1. Max Flanagan, 2. Dan Nixon, 3. Tom Ashton, 4. Junior Sa’u, 5. Ben Will, 6. Jamie Dallimore, 7. Jordan Paga, 8. Jaden Dayes, 9. Ross Whitmore, 10. Lewis Hatton, 11. Matty Unsworth, 12. Ethan Wood, 13. Jordan Syme, 14. Morgan Punchard, 15. In loving memory of Freddie Lowe, 16. Jordan Andrade, 17. Dylan Kelly-Duffy, 18. Danny Lynch, 19. Luke Waterworth, 20. Joe Hickey, 21. TJ Boyd, 22. Jack Holmes, 23. Jamie Pye, 24. Ben Metcalfe.
