Littler agrees to extend his stay

WHOLE-HEARTED centre Craig Littler is the latest man to be signed up by Oldham Roughyeds for the 2009 season.

The 23-year-old former St Helens academy prospect has penned a one-year deal after resolving issues over his shift patterns in a new job.

Having started last season with a bang, scoring six tries in his first seven appearances, the rest of the campaign didn’t go so well for Littler and, after breaking his jaw in the televised 36-16 home win over Doncaster, he didn’t make another appearance.

Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton hopes that Littler, who becomes the 23rd member of the first-team squad, can have an impact in his third year at the club.

“He is a player who is very under-rated,” said Mr Hamilton, who expects another two or three players to come in before the season starts.

“Craig is not the biggest centre but he is very committed, has good habits and techniques and always gives 100-per-cent both in training and in games.

“Over the two years he has been here he has shown what he is capable of and hopefully he can have another good season next year.”

The squad trained again last night and there are currently only three injury issues. Jason Boults is restricted in what he can do due to an ongoing knee problem which should right itself given time, while Paul Highton can’t lift weights at the moment due to a recent clear-out operation.

Chris Clarke, the St Anne’s youngster who has signed a two-year professional deal with the Roughyeds, has a cast on his hand after breaking a thumb.