Rochdale Hornets have added some much needed experience into their ranks with the loan signing of Martyn Ridyard from Leigh Centurions.
The 33 year-old is currently celebrating a testimonial year with the Centurions, but will now plug a gap that Hornets coach Matt Calland was keen to fill.
Ridyard was only the third player in history to score 2,000 points for Leigh, and has scored 80 tries in over 250 appearances for the club. He returned to Leigh from Featherstone last season, and helped the club secure a top-five finish, passing a century of goals for the sixth season in his career.
“It’s no secret that Matt has been keen to bring in an experienced halfback and we have been scouring the market for some time,” said Hornets Chairman Andy Mazey.
“I’m therefore delighted to secure Martyn’s services, who was right at the top of Matt’s wish list.
“Martyn has consistently been the best halfback in the Championship for the past ten years, so it’s a huge boost to have him with us.
“This move demonstrates our ambition to build on the positive vibes around the club and town at the moment and should hopefully help get some bums on seats and excite our fans.”
Alongside Ridyard, the Hornets have also taken Brad Holroyd on loan from Leigh.
The former England Lions under-19s international, who can cover both the wing and fullback, made an instant impression at Leigh last year, scoring in his debut against Workington in the 1895 Cup.
