Oldham link with Super League club

Chris Hamilton

OLDHAM RL are “well down the line” in talks aimed at forming a partnership with a Super League club, said Roughyeds chief Chris Hamilton today.

He hasn’t named a specific club because he is in discussions with more than one.

Final agreements are on hold pending RFL confirmation.

In similar moves, York City Knights are linking with Hull FC; Hunslet Hawks with Leeds Rhinos; and Swinton Lions with Warrington Wolves.

“We don’t want to miss out on what’s happening,” said Mr Hamilton, “but at the same time we need to make sure both clubs will benefit from the partnership. We will not be selling our soul - our independence will be retained.”

Super League clubs, he said, were being encouraged by the RFL to partner clubs in the sport’s second and third tiers as part of an extensive revamp of structures beneath first-team level.

Under the new system an estimated 150 young players with Super League clubs will be looking for new deals with Championship or Championship One clubs.

“By forming partnerships, Super League players who have not been released but who at any given time are not getting into first teams would get first-team opportunities with their partner clubs,” said Mr Hamilton

“We are still waiting for RFL rulings on the finer points of that arrangement and on other aspects of the partnership system.

“We are currently talking to a number of the players who have been released by Super League clubs in the changes.”




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