Roughyeds hit by McKay blow

DAVID McKAY has played his first and last game for Oldham Roughyeds.

The 21-year-old hooker or half-back impressed with his efficiency from acting half-back in the friendly against Huddersfield last week and, having signed a one-year deal, seemed set for a promising future with the club.

However, it has been revealed that he is set to head back home to Australia to deal with unspecified personal problems.

“We feel sorry about the situation that has arisen,” said Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton.

“Dave and his mate came over here looking to establish themselves in English rugby league and Dave did enough in training with us to earn a contract.

“We would like to place on record our appreciation for the commitment he has shown to the club, albeit over a relatively short period.

“In circumstances like this, having signed a deal, you don’t fly across the world unless it is absolutely necessary. The club accepts that it is and he goes with our best wishes.”

There are no plans currently in place to replace the South Sydney Juniors player in the squad.


ONLY a very limited number of seated tickets remain available from the Oldham Roughyeds offices for Sunday's game at Leigh (3pm kick off).

There are plenty of standing tickets left and the club offices on Lansdowne Road are open until 6pm tonight and tomorrow.

Anyone who misses out on getting a seat from the Oldham club can instead purchase one from the ticket office at the Leigh Sports Village Stadium before the game, though fans going down this route are advised to get there early as large queues are expected.

Admission to the game is by ticket only.


FORMER Saddleworth Rangers and Huddersfield centre Jimmy Russell, a well-known face on the local scene, has died aged 65 in the Royal Oldham Hospital after suffering a heart attack at his home.

Russell captained GB amateurs when aged 19 before signing professional forms for the Fartown club, where he played for several seasons before being transferred to Bradford Northern.

Eldest son Richard played for Wigan, Oldham and Castleford, his middle boy Nick turned out for Oldham St Anne’s, while youngest boy Phil played for St Anne’s before following in his father’s footsteps and signing for Bradford.


ST EDWARD’S RC Church at Lees was packed out yesterday for the requiem mass to celebrate the life of Joe Collins, who played nine seasons for for Oldham between 1965 and 1973.

Among a large contingent of ex-Oldham players and team-mates were Martin Murphy, Mike Elliott and Phil Larder.