Crowley capture delights coach

NEW Oldham RL coach Scott Naylor has made first signing since taking charge last month.

Young second-row man Josh Crowley, formerly with Super League clubs Warrington Wolves and Widnes Vikings, has signed for a year.

Crowley, 21 last week, was identified as a player who will successfully step up from Super League under-20s to Championship One.

“He was on my wish list,” said Naylor. “He’s the kind of lad I’m looking for. He’s been reared in a good environment at Warrington and Widnes where he will have had years of good coaching.

“Lots of people have spoken highly of him, and I’m delighted he has joined us. Hopefully it will be the start of something good for him and the club.’

Crowley played for Widnes against Oldham at centre in the 2011 reserves’ championship grand final, but prefers the pack and has played most of his rugby in the second-row.

Roughyeds signed him when he was released by Widnes following the RFL-led restructuring of the sport at Super League level below first teams, including the abolition of under-20s competitions.

The Warrington-born player signed for Wolves from amateurs Crosfields as a 15 year old and had three years with his home-town club before leaving to join Widnes

He said: “I was in a queue at Warrington. My chances were limited so when I was 18 I asked for my release.

“I made good progress at Widnes in three years then came the decision to do away with the under-20s.

I was told I wasn’t quite ready to step up to Super League, they released me - and Oldham were in right away.”








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