ROCHDALE HORNETS have handed Krisnan Inu a route back into Rugby League.

The 39-year-old former New Zealand and Samoa outside back has been appointed assistant to coach Gary Thornton at the Championship club.

It follows Ryan Jackson’s departure to become right-hand man to new coach Matt Bramald at Rochdale’s second-tier rivals Keighley Cougars.

Inu, who played in both the NRL and Super League, had a brief stint as coach of North Wales Crusaders earlier this year, from late March until the Championship club entered insolvency in May.

Before that, he had three seasons on the coaching staff at the old Salford Red Devils, departing when that version of the club, who played in Super League, were liquidated last December.

Inu had played for the Red Devils from 2019 to 2021. Over a 16-year career, he also represented Parramatta Eels, New Zealand Warriors, Canterbury Bulldogs, Catalans Dragons, Widnes Vikings, Lezignan and Leigh Centurions (now Leopards), whom he helped win the Championship Grand Final in 2022.

He was a member of the squad when New Zealand won the World Cup in 2008, a winger in the 2020 Super League Dream Team and also played rugby union for leading French side Stade Francais.

Thornton and Rochdale chairman Andy Mazey see that experience as being highly valuable, and the latter said: “Kris made a name for himself as an important part of Paul Rowley’s successful performance unit at Salford, with a particular emphasis on defence.

“Gary and I have both been impressed by his enthusiasm and knowledge and he is a fantastic addition to our coaching staff.”

Inu said: “I’m looking forward to the season ahead and contributing wherever I can, both on and off the field, to help drive the club forward. There’s a real sense of direction and ambition here.”