Murtza seeks pastures new

SAQIB Murtza has had his Roughyeds contact terminated by mutual consent.

The former Bradford, Salford, Batley and Sheffield forward — who became the first ever player from the Asian community to ply his trade with the club after signing a one-year deal in December — has struggled to force his way into the reckoning for recent matches and the decision has been reached in order that the player can seek his chance elsewhere.
“Not sufficient first-team opportunities have presented themselves for Saqib at Oldham and, having spent some time out of the game through injury before coming to the club, he is particularly keen to play at senior level now,” said Roughyeds coach Tony Benson.

“As a consequence he has had discussions about his future with the club chairman Chris Hamilton and myself and we have agreed mutually that Saqib will be released from his contract so that he can go his own way and seek his future in rugby league elsewhere.

“He went well in the first-team games he did play with the Roughyeds and, understandably, he is very keen to further his career at first-team level.

“We thank him for his services to Oldham, wish him well in the future and hope he is successful in his pursuit of personal goals and ambitions within rugby league.”