Roughyeds’ commitment to youth

PHIL COSTIN

PHIL Costin's youth development work at Whitebank is underpinned by "massive" support from Scott Naylor and his No 2. Lee Spencer.

Speaking about the backing of Oldham RL's senior coaching double act, under-20s boss Costin said fans should be aware of the extent of their involvement in the club's youth policy.

He said: "I've learned more in the six months they've been here than I did in 12 years as a coach in the local amateur game and the two years I was at Roughyeds before they arrived.

"I can't praise them enough, either for the help they give me personally or for the interest they show in

everything going on at under-20s level.

"They are first-class coaches with a Super League background, who complement each other perfectly. The way they go about things puts them streets ahead of anything I have known. They are passionate about getting things right at all levels of the playing side of the club."

He said prop Aaron Hall and full-back Mike Halsall were signed on the recommendation of Spencer, who introduced another young player to the club at Tuesday's training session.

Costin's squad, mainly comprising 17 and 18 year olds, is thought to be the youngest in the division.

They take on York City Knights at Whitebank tomorrow (Fri) night (8pm kick off), though both clubs have agreed to play up to five over-age players.