Opportunity knocks for teenage centre

NEW Oldham RL signing Edwin Okanga-Ajwang could make his bow in the Challenge Cup.

OLDHAM RL have signed highly-rated teenage centre Edwin Okanga-Ajwang from Salford Red Devils on a dual-registration agreement for the season.

When the 19-year-old is not required by Oldham he will be made available for Salford’s senior academy side.

Ed has had three training sessions with Roughyeds, but coach Scott Naylor felt it was too soon to have him play against Hemel yesterday.

He will most likely be given his Oldham debut against Cumbrian amateurs Egremont in the third round of the Tetley's Challenge Cup on Saturday.

Oldham coach Scott Naylor said: “Salford have high hopes for him. He has come to us so we can introduce him to regular rugby at the next level.

“We hope he’ll have a good season with us which will help his overall development; a similar agreement to that which saw Jon Ford (now on loan to Sheffield Eagles in the Championship) do so well for us last year.”

Another Salford youngster, forward George Tyson, made his Roughyeds debut in the under-20s side beaten 42-10 by Leigh Centurions on Saturday. Prop Phil Joy also came through well in his first game of the year.

“I suffered no reaction to my groin trouble,” said Joy, who might also be pushing for a senior recall in Cumbria. “It was great to be back.”