Coyle teams up with his brother

BROTHERLY love is heading to Oldham as their squad-building programme continues for their third term in National League Two.

Thomas Coyle, younger brother of James, has been snapped up on a one-year professional contract after he secured his release from Super League giants Wigan.

The 20-year-old stand-off had a taste of the top-flight in Warriors’ colours last season and also had a spell out on loan at NL1 outfit Halifax.

Oldham chief executive Chris Hamilton said: “He was offered a full-time contract by Wigan, so he was faced with a huge decision.

“Wigan are a big club and with players ahead him in the pecking order, he maybe felt he wouldn’t get the opportunities there and that’s why he asked to be released.

“When we found out there was a chance he would become available, we moved in quickly.

“To play in Super League at such a young age, even though it was only a couple of games, shows he has talent.

“We feel Oldham is the right environment for him to develop both as a player and as a person. We want him to grow in stature here.”

An impressive season for the senior academy in 2007 prompted Wigan to offer Coyle, a product of the St John Fisher School and Wigan St Pats, a new deal.

Also a regular for Wigan’s reserve side — he played alongside his older sibling in the second string — he always craved a chance of proving himself at first-team level.

And, when the temptation became too strong, Oldham stepped in.

Meanwhile, London Harlequins-bound Mick Nanyn has been included in Scotland’s 24-man squad for the World Cup.

The centre’s last game for the Roughyeds was in their NL2 Grand Final defeat by Doncaster.