Leeds duo sit on local panel

TWO famous rugby league stars from the town, Barrie McDermott and Kevin Sinfield, have been added to the panel for the Oldham Players’ Association questions-and-answers night at the home of the St Anne's club.

McDermott, recently appointed as the head of youth development at Leeds Rhinos, joins Sinfield, captain at the same club, in answering questions along with Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton, coach Tony Benson and local referee Robert Hicks.

Admission is £3, including supper, and tickets can be obtained through Bernard Halford on 07714520063.


Deakin linked to France role

FORMER Roughyeds coach Steve Deakin could be set to take on the role as national coach of France.

The Oldhamer, fluent in the language and an ex-coach of UTC in the Elite League, is believed to be on a three-man shortlist which also features the name of former Harlequins coach Tony Rea, who has a French wife. Deakin has previously worked as assistant to Rea at London Broncos.

The hunt is on for a replacement for John Monie, who departed the role after a disappointing World Cup campaign in 2008.


Quinn looking to box clever

BILL Quinn is set to pull on the gloves again in a charity boxing event.

The Oldham chairman, a keen amateur pugilist in his younger days, convincingly defeated former Kiwi rugby league star Brad Hepi on his previous visit to the ring in June last year.

Now, again in order to raise funds for the Steve Prescott Foundation, the 42-year-old is set to do battle with outspoken former Great Britain stand-off Garry Schofield.

Two current Oldham players are also said to be set to take part in the second event of its type, which will take place at the Batley Frontier club on Wednesday, April 1.