Roughyeds deal for Brocklehurst

OLDHAM Roughyeds have brought home Mark Brocklehurst — another player from the Wigan Warriors production line.

The full-back or centre, who has played out the last two seasons with Rochdale, is the second former Waterhead player in two days to commit himself to the club for the forthcoming season after Michael Fogerty.

He is also the fourth man from the borough to find himself in coach Tony Benson’s first-team squad for 2010 after Chris Clarke, Danny Whitmore and Fogerty.

“I got another contract offer from Rochdale but wasn’t happy with it,” Brocklehurst said.

“I have always fancied playing for my home-town team, so I spoke to John Hough and he wanted me in to train with the reserves.

“I did that in the hope it would lead to me signing for the club and I am really pleased that is what has happened.

“I am starting to join in with the first team now and am really looking forward to a new challenge.”

Now 23 years old, Brocklehurst signed for Wigan at 16 and went through the system alongside fellow Roughyeds Luke Rhoden and Mike Priest.

Also in the Warriors academy at the time were Thomas Coyle, rugby union’s Chris Ashton — yesterday called up into the England squad for the Six Nations for the first time — international half-back talent Sam Tomkins and Oldham-born Super League duo Lee Jewitt and Eamon O’Carroll.

After leaving Wigan he spent a year with Swinton before moving on to Rochdale for the start of the 2008 season.

Brocklehurst works full-time at Hathershaw School — known popularly to the children as “Mr Broccoli” — where he is the Year Eight manager, a pastoral role.