Hooker George Roby joins club on permanent deal

Rochdale Hornets have completed the signing of talented hooker George Roby on a permanent deal.

The 23-year-old makes the move to the Crown Oil Arena having spent the last two seasons at Swinton Lions. 

Roby first appeared for Swinton on loan, and it was during the 2022 season that he hit the headlines by helping the club secure promotion from Betfred League 1. He was also named the division's Young Player of the Year during that same season. 

A former England academy star, Roby spent time at Warrington Wolves and Huddersfield earlier in his career, joining the Giants at the age of 18, but failed to break through into the first team at either club.

He has made 17 appearances in each of the last two seasons for Swinton and a further seven during the 2026 campaign. 

On the move, Roby said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be a Hornet, and excited to get around the boys and get started.

“I’ve always thought Gary Thornton’s teams are well-drilled and solid teams, so now to be a part of one feels amazing. I am coming in to work hard, earn my shirt, and hopefully show the fans what I’m about. 

"The team Gary has built is a good one, so I’m hoping to come in and add to that. I’d just like to thank the club for the opportunity. Hopefully I can repay them by helping the team to some victories.”

Rochdale Hornets chairman Andy Mazey said: “As soon as it became apparent there was a possibility to acquire George, I presented it to GT and he immediately gave the green light. 

“We wasted no time in getting a deal done. I know how much George is excited to be coming for a new start, and is keen to be part of a team and club on the up.

“With the rule changes this year, and the speeding-up of the game, particularly around the ruck area, hookers have become more prevalent and important than ever before. 

“In Luke Waterworth, we are fortunate to have, in my view, one of the very best nines in the competition, and likewise our skipper Ross Whitmore, who has shown his versatility recently by being able to operate in the middle unit and is no stranger to the loose forward role. 

“With George coming on board and Jordan Paga now regaining match fitness, who we signed primarily as a half-back but is also capable of stepping in at nine, we will now have much greater depth and even greater quality in a vital position for the remainder of an ultra-competitive Betfred Championship campaign.

“Like Jamie Dallimore in many respects, George is one of those players who when they play against you, you love to hate! But make no mistake, we are absolutely delighted he is now in our camp.”