Palfrey’s positive thinking

Lewis Palfrey: back next season

CLUB captain Lewis Palfrey will be back at Oldham RL Club next season after signing a new one-year deal.

Two clubs in the higher Championship division were looking at the 23-year-old former Whitehaven and Batley Bulldogs half-back - but he admits her “never seriously considered” a move.

"When Scott Naylor or Lee Spencer call 'next job' it's their way of telling us to look ahead and to stop concerning ourselves with things we can no longer change,” he explained.

"That was in the back of my mind when I sat down and listened to their plans for the club. That

confirmed what I knew all along – that to stay was the right decision.

"Most of the lads are re-signing and we are adding a bit more quality which will provide competition across the board. By the time the squad is complete, I expect us to be stronger than last year."

Three new players have already arrived: half-back Brett Robinson, prop Paddy Mooney and hooker or half-back Danny Whitmore.

Palfrey and Robinson - who was at Oxford last season - have much in common. Both are 23, both will be expected to adopt similar roles within the team and both played in the same Wigan St Pat's youth side as teenagers.

Said Palfrey: "We know each other well. He's a very good signing, a quality player, a great lad and one who will readily buy into what we are trying to do.

"Paddy Mooney (formerly London Broncos), comes with high recommendations. And while we don't think of Danny as a new boy, he only played one and a bit games for us on loan so he will be a big addition to the squad."

Naylor said of Palfrey: "I made him captain because I felt it would do him the world of good, and so it proved. I thought he dealt with the job admirably. He's a popular captain and he is willing to listen and learn and accept advice, while always striving to improve his game." He is likely to retain the captaincy next season.