Oldham swoop for Giants teenager

AN old pals’ act has paved the way for Oldham RL Club’s capture of Huddersfield Giants’ highly-rated prop Nathan Mason.

The 19-year-old, Oldham-born front row player, formerly a Waterhead junior, comes to Whitebank on a month’s loan from tonight.

He comes highly recommended by Giants head coach Paul Anderson, who played in the same star-spangled Bradford Bulls side as Oldham boss Scott Naylor from 1999-2003.

“We’ve kept in touch since,” said Naylor. “We often chat about players. Nathan was one of them.

“When I raised his name again, Paul spoke very highly about him and said a loan to Oldham would give him invaluable experience. He’s been on my radar for a few weeks.

“I’m looking forward to working with him. Hopefully he will enjoy his time with us.”

The Huddersfield teenager, who lives in Waterhead, will train with Oldham twice a week but spend the rest of his time with the Giants.

He played at Waterhead until joining Giants at 16. He recently signed his first senior-team contract.

Mason said: “I’ve been playing for the under-19s at Huddersfield but I can’t wait for this new challenge, especially in my home town. It excites me.

“Paul Anderson thinks the experience will be of value and that’s good enough for me.”