Palfrey’s pride at captain’s role

Lewis Palfrey: new Roughyeds skipper

OLDHAM RL new boy Lewis Palfrey is “proud and privileged” to become club captain in his first season with the team.

Palfrey got the nod from coach Scott Naylor - and admits he didn’t need asking twice.

“I was surprised, but absolutely delighted,” said the former Salford, Whitehaven and Batley utility back, who will be 23 next month.

“I’ve skippered teams in the past — Salford Academy and Salford reserves — but this one will carry a lot more responsibility

“I’m made up. I can’t wait to lead out the team.”

One of 11 new signings, Palfrey will head a young squad which includes 10 players who are 21 or under.

After being coached at Salford by both Naylor and his now Oldham No 2, Lee Spencer, Palfrey signed for Whitehaven where, in 2011, he made 23 appearances, mainly at stand-off, amassing 160 points from 68 goals and six tries.

Last season he played 12 times for Championship club Batley Bulldogs, mainly off the bench. He ended the season back at Whitehaven on loan.

Coach Scott Naylor said: “It wasn’t a decision we took lightly. Lewis has experienced different environments at different clubs and he gets on well with all the other boys here. We hope it will be the start of something big for him.”