Cornwall RLFC Welcomes AJ Boardman on Short-Term Loan

Image credit: Jackie Meredith – Image details: Cornwall RLFC’s latest loan signing Anthony (AJ) Boardman 

Cornwall RLFC has recently strengthened their team by securing AJ Boardman on a two-week loan from Rochdale Hornets.

This strategic move comes as a timely boost to the team’s lineup amid a spate of injuries and player unavailability.

Seasoned Player Joins Cornwall

At 34, AJ brings a wealth of experience to Cornwall. His professional journey in rugby league began later than most, starting in 2020 with Hunslet after a stint with amateur side Dewsbury Celtic. His first season, however, was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this setback, he managed to make a mark in the subsequent seasons. Before joining Rochdale, he played for the Midlands Hurricanes where he scored in key matches against Swinton and Cornwall.

Current Season Performance

This season, AJ has appeared once for Rochdale in the 1895 Cup, where they faced a defeat against Halifax Panthers. His move to Cornwall reunites him with former coach Gary Thornton, which could see him returning to his previous form under familiar guidance.

Strategic Addition Amidst Team Challenges

Cornwall’s head coach, Mike Abbott, expressed relief at AJ’s arrival, highlighting the challenges the team faces with player availability. “AJ helps bolster our pack options in an area where injuries and unavailability have once again left us short,” Mike explained. The team currently faces several lineup issues with key players like Harry Boots and Kaine Dimech sidelined due to unavailability and injury, respectively. Furthermore, Matt Ross and Courage Mkuhlani are also out of contention for the upcoming games.

Versatile Role

AJ is expected to play a versatile role in the team, potentially covering both middle and back row positions according to team needs against Midlands. His experience and flexibility will be crucial for Cornwall as they navigate through this challenging phase of the season.

This loan arrangement not only aids Cornwall in a critical time but also provides AJ with an opportunity to prove his mettle and contribute significantly in the coming weeks. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see the impact AJ will have on the team’s performance in the upcoming fixtures.