Gee joins Roughyeds roster for 2014

VICE-CAPTAIN Sam Gee is the third Oldham RL player to sign for next season.

One of the more senior members of a young squad, the 26-year-old hooker has penned a new one-year deal to follow the lead set by Phil Joy and Danny Langtree.

“He’s had an outstanding season for us,” said coach Scott Naylor. “Sam loves his rugby league. In the couple of years before he came to Whitebank things hadn’t worked out for him and he had lost some of his enthusiasm.

“I knew that if we could put the smile back on his face we would get the best out of him — and he’s been smiling all season. He’s the type of lad you want at the club.”

Wigan-born Gee, a grandson of legendary Wigan and Great Britain prop Ken Gee, confirmed there was never any doubt about re-signing “so long as negotiations over the deal were right.”

He said he was happier at Oldham than he had been for a long time.

“We’ve had a great season,” he added. “And now we’ve got the play-offs to look forward to.

“We’ve not had a competitive game for nearly a month, but we’ve done all we can to keep ourselves on the ball both mentally and physically.

“I’d like to say I’m confident about Sunday’s derby clash at Whitebank, but that might be seen to be disrespectful to a very good Rochdale side.

“The fact is it will be one tough game, and that’s how we’re preparing for it. Both teams will be on their mettle.”