Roughyeds snare former Rochdale man

ON THE BALL . . . new Oldham signing Danny Samuel in action for Dewsbury Rams.

FORMER Rochdale Hornets powerhouse Danny Samuel has signed for Oldham RL for a year, after training with the club for several weeks.

The 27-year-old, second-row forward was at Championship club Dewsbury Rams last season after two crowd-pleasing seasons at Rochdale in 2010 and 2011.

He had an offer to return to Spotland this season but instead chose to join his former Hornets team mates Dale Bloomfield and Mark Hobson at Whitebank.

Samuel will be the third oldest member of a young Roughyeds squad, behind Neil Roden (32) and Jason Boults (29), and will add essential experience.

He caused a stir in 2010 when, playing for Hornets against Swinton, he scored a try direct from the kick-off, timed at 7.9 seconds and believed to be the fastest ever recorded in rugby league.

He has also played for the Jamaican national team.

Oldham boss Scott Naylor said: "He will give us a new dimension — qualities we didn't have previously.

"Though best known as a second-row forward, he can play in two or three positions. That, combined with his experience, will strengthen us as a squad. I'm glad to have him on board.”