Youth is the way forward

THE accent is on youth as Oldham RL's coaching double-act of Scott Naylor and Lee Spencer continue to build a squad for a Championship One promotion challenge in 2013.

Take away club skipper Neil Roden (31) and front-row stalwart Jason Boults (29) and the average age of the other 15 players whose signings have already been announced is only 22.

The two youngest are 19-year-old former Leeds Rhinos winger Mo Agoro and 20-year-old ex-Widnes Vikings loose-forward Liam Thompson.

There are five 21-year-olds in Josh Crowley, Danny Langtree, Phil Joy, Steven Nield and Michael Ward.

Club chairman Chris Hamilton has described the partnership of Naylor and Spencer, who were together at Salford City Reds, as one which will bring to the club a wealth of experience.

He said: "They will complement each other. Neither will hold back in speaking his mind and both will have strong opinions about various aspects of the job.

"It is obvious, however, that they have a very healthy dose of mutual respect and understanding and that is a great starting point.”