Birthday joy

BIRTHDAY boy Phil Joy, 22 today, has signed a new one-year contract to set the ball rolling on Oldham RL Club's squad-building plans for 2014.

The deal commits the Oldham-born prop to his hometown club for a second full season no matter what happens in the forthcoming Championship One play-offs.

Chairman Chris Hamilton, coach Scott Naylor and his No. 2 Lee Spencer are delighted the Leeds University high-flyer has opted to continue his rugby education at Whitebank.

Having landed a degree in maths and economics, Joy will soon be returning to Leeds to study for a masters in banking and international finance.

Said Naylor: "He's a clever lad and good luck to him on that, but I'm more concerned with what he does on the rugby field and in the front row.

"When we signed him last autumn he was a blank canvas, a raw recruit with size and potential.

“Less than a year on he's our No. 1 prop and the most improved player at the club.”