Oldham clinch Ballard signing

PAUL BALLARD

OLDHAM RL have completed the signing of fit-again winger Paul Ballard — and are ready to throw him straight into the action in Sunday’s friendly at Featherstone Rovers.
Wigan-based Ballard (27), older brother of ex-Roughyed Andy, has penned a 10-month deal and is raring to go after a year on the sidelines following a knee injury.

Chairman Chris Hamilton believes the Super League pedigree provided by the former Celtic Crusader, who can also operate at full-back or centre, will be invaluable in the push for Co-operative Championship One promotion.

He said: “Andy is well-known for having plenty of pace and scoring a lot of tries.

“After a spell at his most recent club, Blackpool, he decided to sit it out for 12 months in order to recover from a knee injury, and now he is fully fit.

“He offers vast experience, which is going to be important and we are pleased after fighting off interest from several other clubs, including Barrow.

“He played in the Super League with Crusaders and is in contention to slot straight into the side.

“Paul definitely has a chance of playing at Featherstone on Sunday.”

Ballard spent three years with Crusaders following a stint at Widnes and also Leigh Centurions, where he played under the guidance of current Roughyeds coach Tony Benson.

This was followed by a loan move to Whitehaven, before an injury-hit period at Blackpool, after which he took the decision to take a step back from the sport until he achieved optimum fitness levels.

His brother Andy departed Oldham in 2009 in a sudden move to Barrow along with James Coyle, Dave Allen and Danny Halliwell.

Should the elder sibling feature and make an impression in Sunday’s friendly, he will put himself firmly in the frame for a role in the following week’s showdown with the same opponents.

Benson’s men entertain Featherstone at Whitebank on Sunday, February 12 in the group stages of the Northern Rail Cup.