ROCHDALE HORNETS have re-signed young forward Ben Metcalfe following a successful trial.
Metcalfe made his debut for the Hornets as a 17-year-old, playing twice in League One during the 2022 season.
He left the club to spend the following campaign with Warrington Wolves’ academy, then returned to his amateur side Rochdale Mayfield.
As well as playing in the National Conference League, Metcalfe was part of the Under-19 European Championship-winning England Community Lions squad in 2024.
“Ben has been with the group throughout pre-season, having felt the time was right to test himself in the professional game,” explained Hornets chairman Andy Mazey.
“We’ve kept an eye on his progress at Mayfield in the NCL. He’s mature physically and has really impressed (head coach) Gary Thornton and our performance staff, so we are absolutely delighted to have agreed terms with him for 2026.”
Metcalfe, now 20 and Rochdale’s 16th signing for next season, said: “I’m very excited to step up and prove myself in this environment, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming season.”