PAUL WOOD led a rejuvenated young side in his first season at the Swinton helm – now their challenge is to continue the progress made in League One against some higher-quality opposition in the merged division.
It’s a squad short of experience, especially at this level – only captain Kenny Baker, club player of the year Gav Rodden, hooker George Roby and most recent signing Samy Kibula have more than 15 Championship appearances under their belt.
In that sense, the retirements of Mitch Cox and Adam Sidlow will be keenly felt, but the flip side is a fantastic opportunity for young players like full-back Louie Roberts, half-back Jack Stevens and centre Ellis Anderson to step up to the mark.
As well as retained players, youth was also at the heart of their recruitment plan, bringing in a trio of former Salford forwards with Super League experience in Lucas Coan, Jimmy Shields and Charlie McCurrie, plus hooker Tom Ratchford and former Lions loanee Trent Kelly-Duffy from Wigan.
Prop Ben Killan is also only 22 but has already been a regular at Rochdale for four years.
One to watch
Louie Roberts enjoyed an excellent first season in the professional game which culminated in the League One Young Player of the Year award.
The St Helens-produced full-back may have only scored two tries in his 17 appearances but impressed with his ability in the air, defensive nous and ability to create attacks.
Coach Wood believes the 20-year-old is getting better with every game, so a longer and more demanding season should put him in good stead to rise further.
Squad: 1 Louie Roberts, 2 Connor Parkinson, 3. Ellis Anderson, 4 Aaron Lynch, 5 Harry Higham, 6 Reece Briers, 7 Jack Stevens, 9 George Roby, 10 Ben Killan, 11 Gavin Rodden, 12 Aaron Willis, 13 Kenny Baker, 14 Jonny Openshaw, 15 Jamie Reddecliff, 16 Finley Beardsworth, 17 Trent Kelly-Duffy, 18 Bobby Shingler, 20 Adam Jones, 21 Tom Ratchford, 22 Jordan Brown, 23 Deane Meadows, 24 Ethan Fitzgerald, 25 Kye Jacobsen, 26 Charlie McCurrie, 27 Lucas Coan, 28 Jimmy Shields, – Samy Kibula
Ins: Connor Parkinson (Wigan St Judes), Aaron Willis (Midlands), Ben Killan (Rochdale), Tom Ratchford, Trent Kelly-Duffy (both Wigan), Lucas Coan, Jimmy Shields, Charlie McCurrie (all Salford), Kye Jacobson (unattached), Samy Kibula (Batley)
Outs: Jayden Hatton (North Wales), Mitch Cox (retired), Jordan Paga (Rochdale), Danny Lynch (Rochdale), Dan Abram (Hunslet), Adam Sidlow (retired)