Roughyeds buoyed by Danny’s decision

DANNY HALLIWELL is more than happy not only to stay at Oldham for next season — but also for the rest of his playing career.

The 27-year-old centre or second row forward has signed a one-year deal to keep him at the club, despite outstanding displays last season which attracted offers from other suitors.
Now, the former Halifax and Salford star, who scored 20 tries and kicked 15 goals in 34 appearances for the club last season, will renew acquaintances with new coach Tony Benson as the Roughyeds aim for promotion to National League One.

“I could have gone to another couple of clubs — I don’t want to name them — but I just felt that Oldham was right for me at this time in my career,” said the current junior supporters’ player of the year, who has also turned out for Wakefield and Warrington.

“I have got another three or four years left in my career and I’d like to stay here for the rest of them.”

Along with fellow Oldham men Rob Roberts and Gary Sykes, Halliwell and Benson worked together at Leigh in 2006, a season in which the Hilton Park club lifted the Northern Rail Cup.

It was a particularly good year for Halliwell, who weighed in with a total of 23 tries in 20 appearances in Leigh colours.

Club officials were predictably delighted with Halliwell’s decision to stay, which means the current first team squad now numbers 16 players.

“We are really pleased with the player’s attitude and his desire to stay at the club,” said Oldham chief executive Chris Hamilton.

“He didn’t want to go anywhere else and I think that says a lot about how we treat players and look after them - something we work hard at.

“Danny made a big contribution to the team last year, both as a centre and a second row forward and, hopefully, he will have another big season in 2009.”