Players’ group swells Trust ranks

THE OLDHAM Players’ Association has enrolled with Rugby Oldham — already the largest supporters’ trust in rugby league — to boost membership to well over 400.

“The Players’ Association is pleased to be associated with Rugby Oldham, a community trust dedicated to enhancing the future of rugby league at all levels in and around Oldham,” said Players’ Association treasurer Bob Henthorn.

“We have been particularly impressed with the way that the trust has gone about its business in doing just that — supporting this great game of ours whether it be with the town’s amateur clubs, the Service Area or the Roughyeds, where it has broken new ground by sponsoring the club’s Reserves side.

“We have shared a concern that for far too long many talented youngsters have had to turn to other clubs to progress their rugby league. Already this is paying dividends with the first team squad including home-grown young players.

“A number of our members learned their rugby in the local schools and with the local amateur clubs before signing on with Oldham, some of them progressing to represent their county and country.

“We were impressed with what the trust’s chairman Iain Taylor had to say when he addressed one of our recent meetings and the trust can be assured it will receive the full backing of our membership.”