Oldham boss in swoop for prop

OLDHAM RL have signed their fourth new player: experienced prop Chris Tyrer (27), a member of last season’s North Wales Crusaders side.

A native of St Helens, Tyrer's first pro club was Salford where he was coached at academy level by the Roughyeds' new boss, Scott Naylor.

Tyrer was keen to join again the man who tutored him in his teenage years.

"I was looking for another club and as soon as I heard Scott was the new boss at Oldham I gave him a call," said Tyrer. "He's a good coach and I know what he expects of his players. He'll have his sights on honours – no doubt about that."

Tyrer was a replacement prop when Clive Griffiths's men pulled off a shock 36-32 win at Whitebank in May.

“Oldham are looking to build a hard-working squad with players who will graft for each other, and I'm looking forward to being part of it,” he said.

Naylor said of the 16st 7lb newcomer: “He won’t take a backward step, and you need that in a front-rower. He’s versatile, with good skills and with an engine that enables him to play for long spells.”

Roughyeds now have eight players on contract for 2013.