Roughyeds deal for prop Ellison

TOUGH-AS-TEAK prop Dave Ellison has joined Oldham on a one-year deal and becomes the fourth specialist front-rower to sign for the club as preparations continue for 2010.

And it’s a case of renewing old acquaintances for the former London Skolars front-rower, who teams up with coach Tony Benson and Wayne Kerr for the second time.

Originally from Leigh, the 27-year-old fits the fill when it comes to the attributes that the Roughyeds require for the forthcoming Northern Rail Cup and Championship One campaigns.

Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton said: “Tony (Benson) knows him well from their London days and he was delighted to include Dave in his plans.

“Tony describes him as a good, hard-working prop who is tough and uncompromising — just the qualities we were looking for.

“From the player’s point of view, and with due respect, he has been playing in a difficult situation down at Skolars. He is delighted to be back in this area and delighted to be playing for a club like Oldham.”

Ellison had a good season at Skolars in 2008 when Kerr was also making a name for himself in North London and Benson was coach.

As partners in the prop division, Ellison made 13 starts, with nine shows off the bench, while Kerr made 15 starts and had 10 substitute appearances, scoring 10 tries.

He was on Wigan’s books in his formative years and then had a spell with Swinton Lions before his full-time job took him south where he linked up with Skolars.

After being virtually an ever-present in 2006 and 2008, he was restricted to just 10 senior outings last season.

However, he is keen to make a fresh start back up north and once again with Benson as his boss.

Ellison joins Kerr, Jason Boults and young Ben Mellor in the prop division for 2010, and is the club’s fourth new signing with Danny Whitmore from Salford City Reds, Mellor from Warrington Wolves and Valu Bentley from rugby league in France.