Roughyeds are over the ‘moon’

AS preparations continue for Sunday’s play-off final against Rochdale, Oldham have already got one over their close rivals.

The Roughyeds have beaten off competition from Hornets to sign highly-rated prop Paddy Mooney from London Broncos.

Born and raised in Berkshire of Irish descent, the 19-year-old youngster has agreed a one-year Oldham deal having moved to the area to study in Manchester.

Paddy played rugby union from the age of five until he was 15, when he signed for Super League club London Broncos. He played a few games on loan to Hemel Stags in 2011 and returned to captain a successful Broncos under-19s team last year.

He comes to Whitebank on the recommendation of Broncos man Mike Eccles, a friend of Oldham boss Scott Naylor and assistant Lee Spencer.

Naylor said: “Mike speaks highly of him and believes he will come on in leaps and bounds at Oldham.

“He appears to be the sort of lad who will fit in nicely with the squad we are building for next year. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Mooney said: “I’ll have no trouble combining studies with rugby. It will be a new challenge for me no matter which division Oldham will be playing in. I’m already counting the weeks to the start of pre-season training.”