I’Anson back in Roughyeds fold

JAMIE I’ANSON is back with the Roughyeds — and is fighting fit for a place in the squad to play at Hunslet.

The 22-year-old former Leeds Rhinos prospect, who left the sport in order to become a professional cage fighter, has agreed to a deal which runs until the end of the season after being peppered with phone calls from Tony Benson.

The Roughyeds coach has managed to persuade I’Anson — who played in all but but three of Oldham’s 30 games last season — to combine rugby league with his training in mixed martial arts.

And he returns to the club a leaner figure after shedding 21 lbs in weight.

“We wore him down to sign, but we know he’ll give us everything and we are delighted to have him back,” said Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton.

“He’s only 22, but he has had a lot of first-team rugby and he will add a fair amount of experience to a relatively young pack.

“He was a real go-forward prop last year and the fans loved him.”

I’Anson, once the Celtic Crusaders’ young player of the year, will become the Roughyeds’ fifth specialist prop in the senior squad, alongside Jason Boults, Dave Ellison, Wayne Kerr and young Ben Mellor.

“I’m pleased to be back,” said I’Anson. “Tony (Benson) has never been off the phone so I’ve agreed a deal which will allow me to divide my week between rugby and training for cage fighting.

“I developed an interest in it when I was in Thailand in 2007 and I’ve fancied having a serious go at it ever since.”

I’Anson confirmed that he will be available for selection in the Oldham side to play Hunslet tomorrow night (8pm kick-off).

He is the Roughyeds’ second signing of the week, following that of back-row forward Ian Hodson.