Either Carlisle or Aspatria would have had to make the move if the Lancastrians hadn't come forward.
Their decision will make life in an already competitive league all the more interesting. Have Rochdale volunteered because they saw unfancied Penrith's success in winning the league last season?
If they feel N2E is an easier league they may have made a misjudgement. West played at league winners Stockport in the Cup and only an unfortunate sending off for Davy Tighe made the difference.
Next term Sheffield Tigers are reputed to be the boys to watch with a Beverley style backing and a lot of ambition.
So the league will be made up of:
Driffield
Durham City
Hartlepool Rovers
Horden
Middlesbrough
Morpeth
Old Crossleyans [Halifax]
Percy Park
Rochdale
Sheffield
Sheffield Tigers
West