Roughyeds in Reilly swoop

HUDDERSFIELD Giants legend Paul Reilly has signed a one-year deal with the Roughyeds, further increasing the wealth of top-flight experience that new coach Tony Benson is able to draw upon.

The 32-year-old, out of contract at Super League side Wakefield after an injury-ravaged season, has recovered from the back problem that halted his progress last year and has opted to join good friend and fellow ex-Giant Marcus St Hilaire in taking up part-time rugby at Oldham.

Reilly has over 150 Super League appearances under his belt and, along with fellow old heads St Hilaire, Rob Roberts, Daryl Cardiss and new prop forward Paul Highton, is keen to provide the know-how that Oldham need to propel them to the National League Two title.

“Paul is very keen to get back playing after his injury,” said Oldham’s chief executive Chris Hamilton, of a man who can operate at full-back, in the centres and on the wing.

“He is a very experienced player who is equally at home in a variety of positions and he will be a very useful addition to the squad.

“He was offered another deal at Wakefield but was looking for a change of direction and by joining us as a part-time professional he is doing that.”

Reilly, a former England international who scored two tries and claimed the man-of-the-match award in the 2004 European Nations final win over Ireland, spent a total of 11 seasons at Huddersfield before switching to Belle Vue in 2008.

Recovering from an early-season spinal injury, which at one stage threatened his future in the game, Reilly took to the field in the Wildcats’ last few Super League games.

Now, he is keen to take up a new challenge in National League Two.

“I’ve played at the top level for more than a decade, but I would like also to see what life is like in the other divisions,” Reilly said. “And it will also be good to be back playing alongside Junior (St Hilaire).

“The specialist has given me the go-ahead and I can’t wait for the season to start.”