Hughes deserves deal - Naylor

OLDHAM RL have raided their reserve squad to pluck out teenage half-back Jake Hughes for senior recognition.

Hughes (18), originally from Wigan amateur side Hindley, has signed his first professional one-year contract. He is the third young player from last season's under-20s to be elevated to Scott Naylor's senior squad.

Hughes was taken to Whitebank last close season after he had impressed a Roughyeds scout while playing for Hindley. He wasted no time in winning a place at half-back in Neil Roden's Oldham under-20s side, playing in nearly every game last season.

When the under-20s season finished in mid-August, Hughes, Dempsey and Joy were among several players from that squad who were called on to train with the seniors.

Said Hughes: "I can’t wait for the start of pre-season training. It’s a big step up for me, but I’m going to work hard because I’m excited that I’ve been given this chance.”

Speaking of the attributes that convinced him of Hughes’s potential, Naylor said his work ethic and his attitude to training were first class.

“I also liked what I saw when watching him in games,” added Oldham’s coach. “He’s willing to learn and he deserves a chance. He’s young yet, but he has a good understanding of the sport and he is willing to work hard and to learn.”