Nield gains reward for consistency

AFTER two seasons in the reserves, Steven Nield has been elevated to Oldham RL Club's senior squad with a one-year contract.

The 21-year-old full-back, top try scorer in the under-23s last season, becomes the fourth member of that side to be similarly rewarded.

Nield hasn't missed a game in his two seasons of reserve-team rugby, both ending in play-off grand final appearances.

The Oldham-born player said: "I thought I might have been offered a contract a year ago, but on reflection my game has improved a lot since then and I'm all the better for a second season in the reserves.

"There will be a lot of new players and a new coaching staff so everybody will be starting from scratch.

"I've played the odd game at centre and on the wing, but I regard myself as a full-back.

“As a new boy to the first-team squad, I'll be up against a lot of competition so my personal goal initially will be to get a spot anywhere in the 17, and keep it."