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A Warrington Wolves<\/a> playmaker has left the club and signed with a League One club ahead of the 2026 season.<\/p>\n Of course, it\u2019s expected that League One will not exist in 2026 with the Championship and League One competitions merging to create a 21-team second tier, below an expanded 14-team Super League.<\/p>\n The composition of that expanded Super League has now been confirmed<\/a> with Salford Red Devils dropping out and Bradford Bulls, Toulouse Olympique and York Knights all confirmed in the top flight.<\/p>\n One man who won\u2019t be playing in the top flight is young Warrington Wolves young Joe Hickey with Rochdale Hornets confirming that they\u2019ve agreed a deal with the 19-year-old.<\/p>\n Hickey was a member of Warrington\u2019s unbeaten reserve side in 2025<\/a> with the Wire youngsters making it all the way to the Grand Final, where they defeated Leeds Rhinos to secure silverware.<\/p>\n Many members of that side are now on tour Down Under but Hickey has left the Super League club to sign with Rochdale in the professional ranks for 2026.<\/p>\n Serious About Rugby League has launched a brand new podcast which can be watched in full on our\u00a0YouTube channel here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Young Warrington Wolves playmaker Joe Hickey signs with Rochdale Hornets<\/p>\n News of Hickey\u2019s arrival was announced by the club with his impressive pedigree and 2025 campaign in the reserves noted.<\/p>\n A statement from the Hornets confirmed: \u201cRochdale Hornets have signed talented young half-back Joe Hickey ahead of the 2026 season.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 19-year-old impressed for Warrington Wolves\u2019 reserve team last year, helping them to the Reserves Grand Final.<\/p>\n \u201cHe featured 12 times at reserve level during the 2025 campaign, scoring three tries.\u201d<\/p>\n Hickey, who Rochdale believe is \u2018destined for great things\u2019 also spoke on the move, stating: \u201cI\u2019m really excited by the opportunity that has been given to me by the club.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t wait to rip in with the lads, get plenty of first team experience under my belt and put in performances which the Rochdale Hornets supporters can be proud of.\u201d<\/p>\n Chairman Andy Mazey added: \u201cWe have a great relationship with Warrington, and it was whilst watching clips of potential loan players and attending the club\u2019s reserve games that Joe came to Gary Thornton\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe is a skilful half-back with the ability to produce game-changing moments, and he also possesses a fantastic kicking game.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we got the heads-up that he may be coming available, Gary and I wasted no time in meeting with him and his parents, and we are delighted he\u2019s chosen Rochdale.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a proven track record of giving opportunities to and developing young talent, and Joe is a player with an incredible amount of potential.<\/p>\n \u201cWe look forward to welcoming him and his family to Rochdale Hornets.\u201d<\/p>\n \ud83d\udea8 New signing \ud83d\udea8<\/p>\n We are delighted to announce the arrival of young @WarringtonRLFC<\/a> half-back Joe Hickey on a one-year deal.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf0: https:\/\/t.co\/c8fYLV6BZh<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Uz17aoStoz<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rochdale Hornets (@RochdaleHornets) October 17, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1759084633_634_srl-logo.png\"\/){kind=logo}
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