Silent assassin

Oldham Rugby Club meet the players at the Spindles, Oldham. Jessica and Ben Eyers meet the players.

ROUGHYEDS chairman Chris Hamilton believes more calm rather than the storm will prove to be a successful formula for new club skipper Lewis Palfrey.

A talented former Salford starlet, Palfrey has again linked up with his former Academy coach at the City Reds, Scott Naylor.

Naylor had little hesitation in asking Palfrey to take the captain’s armband, and the 23-year-old utility back appears to be relishing the role if his performances so far in the Northern Rail Cup are anything to go by.

Hamilton has certainly been impressed with Palfrey’s input so far.

He said: “Lewis is a bit like a silent assassin in some ways.

“He’s not a shouter and a bawler, though he can do that when it’s needed.

“He’s more an organiser and cajoles than someone who’s maybe going to shake his fists.

“He’s quite a cool character, and in the heat of battle that’s never a bad thing to have. Again he’s impressed so far.

“He’s somebody that will lead by example, while at the same time dishing out he harsh words when it’s needed. He is a real leader.”

Salford lad Palfrey signed for his home-town club at the age of 16 after earlier starring for Eccles and Wigan St Patrick’s.

An Academy captain and reserve-team skipper at Salford, he later enjoyed two spells with Whitehaven and one with Batley Bulldogs after leaving the Willows.

He joined Oldham in the close- season after penning a one-year deal.

Naylor will have selection headaches of a positive kind for Good Friday’s clash against Rochdale Hornets, particularly at hooker, half-back and in the centre.

Of his 22-man squad, only long-term injury victim Liam Thompson is thought to be unavailable, while Sam Gee, Palfrey, Michael Ward and Danny Samuel will all be hoping to reclaim their spots after being rested in the 24-12 win in South Wales.