Roughyeds deal for young hooker

SERBIAN international Austen Barrowclough has signed a two-year deal to turn professional with Oldham RL.

The 19-year-old hooker, who hails from Huddersfield and was originally introduced to the club by former Roughyeds star Phil Joseph, impressed in the reserves side last season before going on to shine once again in the European Nations Cup.

Turning out for Serbia — the birthplace of his grandfather — the Newsome Panthers amateur lined up against fellow Oldham team-mate Wayne Kerr earlier this year when his team took on Ireland and also played in matches against Wales and Italy.

In total, Barrowclough has eight appearances to his name representing Serbia, three for the under-18s and five for the senior team. In the European Nations Cup of 2008, he lifted Serbia’s player-of-the-tournament award.

“Austen lives and breathes the game,” said Roughyeds reserve team coach John Hough. “If he continues to work hard, which I’m sure he will, I think he’ll be one to watch out for.”

Barrowclough’s elevation to the professional ranks is the second such promotion from last season’s second string following that of teenage forward Michael Ward, who also signed a two-year deal.

“They are two more promising youngsters to add to the ever-growing group of young players at the club,” Hough added.

“Austen, by necessity, played most of his rugby for us last season at second-row or loose forward, but his best and favourite position is hooker and that’s where his future at Oldham will lie.”

Barrowclough, whose full-time job outside rugby is in the health and fitness industry, explained that Phil Joseph was his coach at Newsome Panthers and that it was the then Oldham player who recommended him to the Roughyeds in the first place.

“It’s all worked out well for me and now I can’t wait to grasp the chance to make progress as a professional,” he said.