Oldham back Holmes to star again

Jack Holmes: back for Oldham.

UTILITY back Jack Holmes, a young player who surpassed expectations in his first full season in senior rugby, has been awarded a new contract by Oldham RL Club.

The 21-year-old former Leigh man played at full-back, stand-off and centre in the early part of the Roughyeds’ promotion season before making the left-wing spot his own.

Holmes finished with 15 tries in 22 games from his adopted position on the left flank. The only player to score more tries was right winger Adam Clay, on 21.

The youngster’s instinctive knack of anticipating and reading plays caught the imagination of coach Scott Naylor: “Jack is vastly underrated,” said Naylor. “He loves the game and he’s a proven try scorer.

“It’s a pleasure to coach him and to have him around, but more than that he’s got something that can’t be coached — an eye for the try line. He’s a great finisher.”

Holmes said: “Championship rugby is going to be a big challenge, but I’m looking forward to it and I know the other lads are too.”