Death of Oldham stalwart Collins

JOE COLLINS in his playing days

Joe Collins, ex-Oldham player and a lifelong supporter of the club, has died aged 62.

He had been ill for a number of months following surgery on a brain tumour.

A centre of great potential, Collins' career with at Watersheddings spanned just short of a decade, though he was hampered by a series of injuries which restricted him to 72 appearances, in which he scored 14 tries, between 1964 and 1973.

In his playing career he appeared alongside names such as Jim McCormack, father of current Widnes coach Steve, Geoff Sims and Malcolm Price, while also lining up with Phil Larder, Mike Elliott and Norman Hodgkinson towards the back end of his days with the club.

Collins was a director of a company based in Warrington and lived in Uppermill. He continued to support Oldham RL after he finished playing and was a well-known face around the club and a season-ticket holder.

He leaves wife Carol, son Simon, daughter-in-law Pip and grandson Nathan Joseph.

His funeral takes place next Wednesday, January 21, at St Edwards' RC Church, Lees, at 10am.