Hornets sign Anthony Bowman for 2023

Rochdale Hornets are delighted to confirm the signing of loose forward Antony Bowman ahead of the 2023 season.

Bowman, who has Championship experience playing with Batley Bulldogs, joins after spending last season with fellow League 1 side Midlands Hurricanes.

The 30-year-old, who has a vast catalogue of experience at this level having represented Halifax, Swinton and Keighley Cougars, is back fully fit after injuries impacted recent seasons.

Bowman has already ‘hit the ground running’ this year, and he is ready to get going in the red, white and blue.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have joined such a historic club.

“I’ve had many tough battles over the years against Rochdale and it’s a pleasure to be here.

As well as spending time with Western Australian side Rockingham Sharks, Bowman has also been at Hunslet where he played under Gary Thornton and alongside current Hornets captain Duane Straugheir.

When asked about the impact Thornton had on his decision to join Rochdale, Bowman said: “Gary was a massive seeking point from my end and after a meeting with him it was a no brainer for me to sign for Hornets."  

The forward will add plenty of experience to a young Hornets squad, and Bowman says he is ready to prove those wrong who have already written Rochdale off ahead of the new season.   

He said: “We have a young squad which has probably already been written off by so many. 

"We are not just here to make the numbers up, we have our own personal goals on where we want to be at come the business end of the season.”

Head coach Thornton has spoken highly of Bowman’s attributes, stating his ‘experience’ and ‘leadership’ will benefit his young Hornets squad.

Thornton said: “Ant is a championship quality player and he is hoping to get back to that level after a year disrupted by injuries.

“He’s a skilful, ball handling middle unit player who will add a new dimension to our attacking options and I’m really pleased he has decided to sign for us.

“There were a number of teams vying for his signature, and I am sure Ant will become a fans favourite with his performances.”

Chairman Andy Mazey has echoed Thornton's positivity, confirming Bowman is a player the club have had on their radar for a while.     

“Anthony is a player Gary rates highly and we even tried to bring him in at the back end of last season," Mazey said.

“The fact he has turned down more money elsewhere at a League 1 rival club speaks volumes about the way Gary works and the environment being created here at Rochdale Hornets.

“He [Bowman] can cover a range of positions and add plenty of versatility and experience to what is largely a young squad.”

Tickets for the Law Cup clash at the Vestacare Stadium can be bought through Oldham, here. 

To see Bowman and the Hornets in action, supporters can purchase their 2023 season passes here. 

Squad announced so far: Nixon, Killan, Purcell, Connolly, Swarbrick, Boardman, Berry, O’Hanlon, Roden, Straugheir, Aspey, Tyrer, Hewitt, Braham, Cooke, Blackwood, Else, Brewin, Donnelly, Harrison, Clarke, Haynes, O’Keefe, Arnold, Brannan, Porter, Green, Badham and Bowman.

Image courtesy of Oldham RLFC