Jy Hitchcox returns to League 1 club on season-long loan

Jy Hitchcox has returned to League 1 club Rochdale on loan for the remainder of the 2022 campaign from Leigh.

The Australian winger previously spent two weeks on loan at the Crown Oil Arena earlier this year. He registered a hat-trick on his second appearance for the club in a 46-28 win over Doncaster.

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Hitchcox makes the move from Leigh Centurions, where he has struggled to cement a spot in the starting team. He has made five appearances for the Adrian Lam’s side in 2022, scoring twice.

Head coach Matt Calland said: “Jy was great for us in his short spell last time, so it’s great to have him in for this crucial part of the season.

“He adds valuable experience on the edge, reads the game brilliantly, and is a class finisher. Welcome back, Jy!”

Chairman Andy Mazey added: “It’s a massive coup for Rochdale Hornets to secure the services of one of the top performing outside backs outside of Super League, in recent years.

“That might sound like a bold statement but it’s absolutely supported by Jy’s stats – and performances – at the very top end of Championship, with the likes of Toulouse and Bradford, as well as in Super League with Castleford.

“Jy has been unfortunate to find himself just behind the likes of Blake Ferguson and Krisnan Inu in the pecking order this year at Leigh. His game time has been limited as a consequence.

“He’s a player Matt really enjoyed working with in his previous stint here. Plus, his experience of top-level rugby league makes