Priest agrees to Roughyeds deal

MIKE PRIEST is the latest name to sign for Oldham Roughyeds.

The 21-year-old centre or wing, who has a similar background in the game to fellow former Wigan warriors capture Luke Rhoden, also arrives on a two-year deal after first impressing under John Hough in the reserves last season.

Both Priest and Rhoden started out at Wigan St Pat’s, both spent four years with the Warriors and won international Academy honours in that time, and both fell out of love with the game after leaving Wigan due to a perceived lack of first-team opportunities.

The similarities continue in that the pair were invited along to Oldham on short-term agreements last summer, which they both capitalised on.

“As you might expect they are also great pals,” said Roughyeds chairman Chris Hamilton. “They’ve been through a lot together and we are delighted that we have been able to re-ignite their passion for the game. They are raring to go.”

Priest’s signing takes to 15 the number of players aged 21 or under now under contract to the Roughyeds, and most of them will have a realistic chance of pushing for first-team recognition.

Nine of them, including Rhoden and Priest, were in the squad for the Law Cup game at Rochdale, which has been rescheduled for Sunday, January 24 (3pm kick-off).

Roughyeds are due to travel to Whitehaven on Sunday for Howard Hill’s testimonial game and then play Batley at Mount Pleasant the following Sunday, January 17 (2pm kick-off).

Coach Tony Benson, a firm believer in the benefits to be derived from a good youth policy, was delighted to land Rhoden — and then to capture his pal Priest.

“I enjoyed plenty of reserve-grade games last season,” he said, “I was excited by the potential of many of the players.

“Luke stood out for his speed and power with ball in hand. He was extremely difficult to contain in every game.

“He knows he has work to do on his fitness, but he is up for the challenge and he will be pushing for a first-team spot as the season progresses.

“Mike is also very quick and he has the skills of a player who has been through the Wigan Academy. He has good game awareness and he impressed me greatly both with ball in hand and on defence.

“He is also a genuine contender for an outside backs spot in the first team.”