Hornets land experienced half-back Jack Miller

Rochdale Hornets have signed half-back Jack Miller for the remainder of the 2025 season, following his departure from Betfred League 1 rivals Keighley Cougars.

Miller leaves former club Keighley as the second-highest point-scorer in their history, with a tally of 977 points from his 102 appearances.

A goal-kicker and playmaker, the 30-year-old will add a new dimension to the Hornets' attack ahead of the second half of the season as the club continues its push for a top-four finish. 

Miller has spent six of the last seven seasons at Cougar Park - a year spent with Newcastle Thunder in 2023 being the exception.

He has featured nine times for the club during the 2025 campaign, scoring twice and adding 42 points with the boot.

Crowned Betfred League 1 Player of the Year in 2022, Miller also finished as the top point-scorer in the division last season as Keighley secured an impressive second-placed finish. 

"I'm really excited to get going," he said. 

"Having worked with Gary Thornton at Doncaster many years ago, we have an excellent relationship and I can't wait to put my best foot forward for the club.

"Hopefully I can add something new to this team and we can make that top four. 

"I've played against a lot of the Rochdale lads during my career and know them quite well. They've always been real competitors, and I'm sure we can build something really special moving towards the back end of the year.”

Rochdale Hornets head coach Gary Thornton said: “Jack is a proven half-back with loads of experience, and will be a huge addition to our group.

“When Keighley made us aware of his availability, we looked at how we could get him in. I’ve worked with Jack before at Doncaster, so I know the value he will add. 

“His kicking game and organisational skills will complement our pivots, and it’s a great signing for us as a club.”

Chairman Andy Mazey said: "I am very pleased to have been able to conclude a deal with Keighley, and we are delighted to have secured the services of Jack.

“It's no secret we have missed Martyn Ridyard’s experience, leadership and kicking game this season. 

“There are very few top-class half-backs around at this level, but Jack Miller is one of the best. He is a proper general with a quality kicking game. 

“This transfer will hopefully demonstrate our support for Gary Thornton and our ambition as a club to push for a top-four finish heading into the second half of the campaign.”

As part of the deal which will see the 30-year-old Miller make the move to the Crown Oil Arena, hooker Oli Burton has gone in the opposite direction on a permanent basis. 

Former Batley Bulldogs man Burton joined the Hornets during the off-season and has made a total of 12 appearances, three of which were starts. 

He leaves with our best wishes for the next chapter of his career.