Phil’s joy over pro deal at Oldham

PHIL Joy can look forward to a massive year of sport and study after signing his first pro contract with Oldham RL.

The 21-year-old former Waterhead prop becomes Roughyeds' third close-season signing behind new-boy Josh Crowley, also 21, and highly-rated half-back Jamie Dallimore.

Joy's one-year deal was reward for an outstanding 2012 season in the reserves, followed by impressive performances at Championship One level in the first team's last two games at Gateshead and Workington.

He will now be striving to command a regular first-team place in 2013.

"I had a taste of first-team rugby at the end of last season, and it went down nicely.

“I'm aiming to get the benefits of a big pre-season and then to show what I can do in the warm-up games.”