Salford Red Devils outside back finds new club for 2024

Rochdale Hornets have announced the signing of outside back, Joe Coope-Franklin ahead of the 2024 season. Joe joins the club on the back of a successful spell with Salford Red Devils last year.

Head Coach, Gary Thornton, commented on the signing; “Joe spent last season at Salford, training full time with the first team squad. He has come highly recommended by Paul Rowley, and I’m looking forward to seeing him integrate into our squad. Although he is not experienced at League 1 level, he is a very athletic and enthusiastic lad, and a strong outside back with lots of potential. He’s enthusiasm to get stuck into preseason and show us what he’s about is very encouraging.”

Joe added, “After talking to Gary and Andy, I realised how ambitious they are for this club to be at the top of the league next season. I’m excited to be a part of the club’s success and will be pushing hard to play my part in it. Pre season training starts next week and I will be pushing hard to impress the coaches. I am so pleased to have the opportunity to play for Rochdale and will give it my all.”

They have also signed former Oldham and Swinton Lions hooker Matt Wilkinson.

Head Coach, Gary Thornton, commented on the signing; “I’m so pleased with this signing as it adds so much to our squad in a key pivotal position. Hookers play an integral role in the way we attack and defend, and to have Matt on board to compliment Aidy and Kyle gives us a very strong look about us in that area. He’s a running threat from dummy half in attack, and tough defensively, so has all the attributes needed to play 9. I’ve always been a big admirer of the way Matt plays and he had other options on the table, so I’m delighted he has decided to sign with us.”

Matt added, “When Gary and Andy were interested in bringing me over with the calibre of players that had already signed, there are players who I formed a good relationship last year with at Oldham I thought that Rochdale would be the best club for me to join. With the likes of the experienced back and halves signings and others already here who I played with before, I feel we will have good spine of the team who can play good attacking rugby and give everyone in the comp a good game. Thanks to everyone at the club for giving me the opportunity and hopefully I can do the shirt justice.”