Ryan Millar becomes latest addition for 2027

Rochdale Hornets have signed experienced winger Ryan Millar on a one-year deal.

Millar becomes the club's 10th new addition as preparations continue for the 2027 Championship season.

Millar has spent the majority of his career with Sheffield Eagles, making his debut for the club back in 2015 having progressed through their academy system.

Over two separate spells, the 32-year-old made 155 appearances, scoring 70 tries in that time. 

His most successful campaign with the club came in 2019, when the Eagles were crowned inaugural winners of the 1895 Cup at Wembley Stadium. During that campaign, Millar boasted an impressive strike rate of 20 tries in 32 games.

He left Sheffield at the end of the 2021 season and went on to represent Bradford Bulls and Widnes Vikings, before returning to the Steel City ahead of the 2024 campaign. 

An experienced figure within our squad for 2027, everyone at the club is excited to see Millar bring his professionalism, work ethic and undoubted quality to the Crown Oil Arena. 

On the move, Millar said: “I’m really excited to be joining the club. Towards the back end of the 2026 season, I'd thought about that year being my last unless the right opportunity came up, so I was happy to hear about the interest from Rochdale.

“From talking to Gary Thornton, it sounds like there is a really honest, hard-working group at the club. There are a few of the lads that I’ve played with over the years as well, which is nice, so I’m really looking forward to this year. With the group we have got, I think we can have a successful season.

“I’ve played quite a few games in the Championship over a number of years now, so I will try and bring a bit of that experience and help some of the younger lads out where I can. 

“On the pitch, I’m really looking forward to playing consistently, hopefully scoring a few tries and just giving it everything I’ve got.

“I remember the fans being great when I played against Rochdale away last season as well, so hopefully I can give them lots to cheer about over the next 12 months.”

Rochdale Hornets chairman Andy Mazey said: "Ryan is an experienced top-end Championship performer whose power, pace and athleticism will provide Gary with even more competition and threat out wide. 

 “He's a brilliant try-scorer and comes highly recommended to us by people we respect, and with a reputation as a fantastic professional. 

“In addition to knowing where the try line is, he does things that often go under the radar.

“Those little things make a huge difference in a team, hence why Gary was very keen to add him to the group. We are delighted to have secured his services.”