Six player departures confirmed following 2025 season

Rochdale Hornets can confirm the departure of six first team players following the conclusion of the Betfred League 1 season.

As has previously been announced, Ben Killan and Luke Forber have joined Swinton Lions and North Wales Crusaders respectively ahead of the 2026 season.

It can now be confirmed that Myles Harrop, Lewis Else and Emmerson Whittel have all decided to leave the club after being offered new terms, in order to move elsewhere.

Else has spent the last three seasons with the club, making a total of 64 appearances.

He was a regular starter in the halves and was crowned Betfred League 1 Player of the Year following the Hornets' run to the play-offs during the 2024 season.

Another regular over recent seasons, Harrop has scored 16 tries in 34 appearances for the club.

Meanwhile, Whittel has spent just under two seasons at the Crown Oil Arena following a move from Oldham in March 2024.

He went on to feature 42 times in Hornets colours, scoring three tries.

Completing the departure list are Luke Nelmes, Darcy Simpson and Elijah Simpson, who have all been released.

Nelmes leaves having spent the last two years at the club, while Elijah and Darcy Simpson joined in April 2025 and made a combined 16 appearances.

We wish all six departing players well for the future.

On the recruitment front, the club have already secured a number of exciting signings and retentions, which will continue to be announced over the coming weeks.

With a greater emphasis on developing young talent, as discussed by chairman Andy Mazey in his recent end-of-season update, we look forward to revealing a hungry and determined squad for our supporters to be proud of.