Roberts boost for Roughyeds

Bob Roberts: in the thick of the action for Roughyeds for another year

SKIPPER Rob Roberts has handed the Roughyeds a major boost by signing a new one-year contract for next season.

The 29-year-old forward had been planning to emigrate down under with his Australian fiancee following at end of this season.

But that move has now been put on hold for a year and, following talks with club officials, a deal has been struck that keeps the experienced forward at Oldham for a third season.

“He was very keen to sign,” said delighted chief executive Chris Hamilton. “He is a very influential and well-liked figure both on and off the pitch at the club. As captain, he has really made his mark here and has worked hard for us.

“We spoke to him a few weeks ago about his intentions for next year and once he told us he was definitely staying in England, we wanted to make sure we kept him and he hasn’t spoken to anyone else.

“I am sure there would have been no shortage of clubs after him, either. But he likes it here and was keen to stay.”

Roberts arrived at the Roughyeds with a reputation as a hell-raiser, to the extent that he was warned about his conduct upon first signing.

Coach Steve Deakin never had any doubts about a player he worked with at Huddersfield, though, and ‘Two Bobs’ has defied the expectations of many to become a pivotal figure.

In addition to his impact on the field — especially at the back end of the 2007 season, when playing a huge role in helping the Roughyeds reach the National League Two Grand Final against the odds — Roberts has this season done a lot of successful work promoting the club within local schools.

His overall record at Oldham has taken in 39 appearances, mainly at loose forward, with 12 tries. Roberts becomes the first player to pen a new deal ahead of the 2009 campaign.

The players train tonight ahead of the home play-off test against Doncaster on Sunday. The winners of that Boundary Park clash will progress automatically to the NL2 Grand Final at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington, on Sunday, September 28 (1.30pm kick off).

The losers face a second chance to qualify with a home clash on Sunday week against the winners of the Keighley v Rochdale play-off tie.