Roughyeds signing swoop

Photo: Paul Sterritt

CHRIS HAMILTON . . . late flurry of activity

OLDHAM RL Club have signed Bradford Bulls utility back James Mendeika (24) in a deal that went through literally seconds before the transfer deadline.

"What a rush ! It was like a Benny Hill movie, Keystone Cops and 'Fast and Furious' all rolled into one," said Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton.

Mendeika, an Irish international with several caps, has joined Oldham on loan until the end of the season.

On a full-time contract with Bradford to the end of next season, the former Warrington Wolves academy player had spells with Swinton Lions and Leigh Centurions on dual-reg or loan before moving to Featherstone and then on to Bradford, where he was reunited with James Lowes, whom he had worked for at Warrington.

Said Mendeika: "It's a move that suits both parties. Oldham were looking for someone like me and in searching for some game time I was looking for a club like Oldham.

"They are hoping to do well in the Championship Shield and I'm hoping to come in and add a little bit to what they have to offer."

His capture took to four the number of deals Oldham completed in the 48 hours before the deadline.

They signed North Wales Crusaders winger Scott Turner, snapped up Mendeika on loan and extended the loans of Leigh hooker Lewis Foster and Castleford centre Kieran Gill to the end of the season.

Turner and Mendeika won't play against Workington Town at Bower Fold on Sunday (3pm kick off), but Foster and Gill are in the squad.