Hornets ace roped in by Naylor

STEVE Roper, Rochdale Hornets' first-choice scrum-half for the past four seasons, has joined Oldham on loan, initially for a month.

He trained with his new team mates for the first time last night and he will be in the mix when Scott Naylor picks his options for Sunday's visit of Oxford (3pm kick-off).

"After our disappointing performance at Hunslet on Good Friday, everyone who is fit will be in contention this weekend," said Naylor.

Concerned by the 38-12 defeat, Naylor has wasted no time bringing in the experienced Roper.

The 27 year old has played nearly 90 games for Rochdale, most in partnership with Paul Crook - including two wins against Oldham in last year's play-off series.

Grand Final triumph and promotion to the Championship came at a price for Roper, who had his nose pushed out when Hornets went across the world to sign Sydney-born Fijian international half Ryan Millard.

Said Naylor: "For whatever reason, he wasn't getting games at Rochdale, and when I spoke to him he was keen to come here. Half-back is a position in which we haven’t been at our best this season, so by bringing him in I am giving myself options.”