New deal for Roden

Martin Roden (in scrum cap) celebrates scoring a try.

MARTIN RODEN will resume his dual role as conditioner and player with Oldham Roughyeds next season.

The cousin of stand-off and namesake Neil, Roden answered an SOS call when coming out of retirement to play at hooker off the bench at Dewsbury last season despite having retired from the game.

He subsequently kept his place in the side, fully on merit, and the former Leigh player’s end-of-season form was enough to land him recognition in the Co-operative Championship One divisional team of the month.

He is the first senior player to commit to the club for 2010 and the signing is one that has delighted Roughyeds chairman Chris Hamilton.

“He is a vital part of coach Tony Benson’s backroom team and commands a lot of respect from the players,” said Hamilton, who is set to announce further signings soon.

“As we saw from the end of July onwards, he put his hand up to help us out of a difficult predicament and went on to prove himself to be a very capable addition to the team.

“We are delighted to have him on board again.”

Also being kept on for next season is first-team physio Rachael Johnson, who enters her third season with the club.

“She has grown into the role as each year has gone by and thoroughly enjoyed her time here last year,” Hamilton added.