Fairclough raring to go

We caught up with 2021 recruit Rob Fairclough to discuss his 2021 goals with the club

Rob Fairclough says he is raring to go for the 2021 season and is hoping to play his best rugby while with the Hornets.

The half-back, who joins the club on a two-year deal, played an influential role during his time with Swinton in the Championship, helping the Lions secure their best league position in 27 years in 2019.

Fairclough also represented England Under-18s in their tour of Australia in 2016, and joins fellow half-backs Danny Yates and Luke Littlewood in making the move to the Crown Oil Arena ahead of the 2021 League 1 season.

The former St Helens academy player linked up with head coach Matt Calland and the rest of the squad for pre-season in November at partners Hopwood Hall College, which provides one of the best facilities in the competition.

"I loved getting back in the mix with the lads and getting to know all the boys," said Fairclough.

"The lads and coaching staff have made it really easy for me and the rest of the new lads to fit in and I’ve really enjoyed the first few weeks. I’ve loved the camaraderie of being back in a team environment, it’s massive for myself and I’ve really missed it over the last 12 months.

"The facilities are second to none. To have access to a private gym, cardio room and sports hall as well as the astro, you can’t really ask for much more. It really allows the lads to make the most of pre-season and hopefully give us the edge at the start of the season especially in these times."

2021 will see the club celebrate its 150th anniversary, with League 1 set to return in May, while the players continue to train at home during lockdown with plans of returning to pre-season in February.

Fairclough added: "I can’t wait to get back on the field and show everyone what I think I can offer. I’ve had a good two years without any significant injuries and before the lockdown I felt I was getting back to playing my best rugby and hopefully that can be done in a Rochdale shirt this year and for hopefully many more.

"For myself over this lockdown I will be making sure I maintain my fitness levels and strength so that when we are allowed to return, my body and mind are raring to go for the season ahead, and hopefully it can be a successful one for the club!"