Files deal a statement of intent

CHRIS Hamilton says the capture of Adam Files on contract has laid down a marker as to Oldham RL Club's ambitions for 2014 and beyond.

"Given the amount of interest in him from clubs in the higher Championship division, this is a major signing for us," said the Roughyeds' chairman.

North Wales Crusaders, who pipped Oldham for automatic promotion in 2013, were believed to be the Roughyeds' biggest rival for Files's signature when his Salford contract expired last autumn.

This time last year the young hooker hadn’t played a single game in senior rugby. Super League club Salford allowed him to come on season-long loan to Whitebank where he was an instant hit, scoring tries in eight consecutive games and finishing with 15 in 24 appearances.

He and second-row forward Josh Crowley were the Roughyeds' only ever-presents.

Said Hamilton: "On the strength of his performances for us last year, a few Championship clubs were after him.

“But he opted to stay at Whitebank because he enjoyed his rugby so much here while on loan.”

Files, who was 21 last month, said: "Once I had decided to leave Salford, there was only one club for me and that was Oldham. Last season at Whitebank was great. It would also have been a wrench to leave Scott Naylor) and assistant boss Lee Spencer. I've been with them since I was a kid. I'm just hoping that this time we can get to the final again, and win it.”

The arrival at Whitebank of prop Alex Davidson sees Files in partnership again with another young player who signed for Salford when he was 16.

"We're in the same age group and we came through the system together at Salford," said Files, whose dummy-half break provided Davidson with a try-scoring debut at Barrow.