Local prospect Jenson links up with Roughyeds

Local lad Jenson Hamilton, a promising full-back or winger, has joined the Roughyeds ahead of the 2023 Betfred League One season.

The 21-year-old Oldhamer had an impressive season with community club Waterhead Warriors last year and links up with Oldham to test himself at a higher level.

Season 2022 was a stellar season for both Hamilton, who was named Waterhead’s Player of the Year by coaches Jon Perks and Keith Brennan, and also for the club itself.

Warriors secured promotion to NCL Division Two after winning 18 of their 22 league games, and also lifted both the BARLA Open age National Cup and the Oldham Amateur League’s prestigious Standard Cup.

Hamilton joins Oldham as an amateur, meaning he will be able to keep his chance to play for the England Community Lions under 23s.

Hamilton, who attended all Oldham's home games last year, said: “Shez (assistant coach Brendan Sheridan) was in touch about coming down to training, and I’ve not looked back; it’s a big thing to play for your home town club.

“The level of intensity is a lot higher and the training has been a massive step-up with the calibre of players in the squad.

“Last year couldn’t have gone better for Waterhead, and now I want to push myself, see how I do at a higher level, and see how I cope playing against professionals week in and week out.

“I can’t wait to get started and hopefully we will be pushing to win the league or, if not, to go up through the play-offs.”

Said Roughyeds’ head coach Stuart Littler: “He’s a young, fast player with a high skill set.

"He scored some outstanding tries last year for Waterhead and had an amazing run of games.

“He was one of their stand-out players - someone we kept our eye on.

“He’s coming for the right reasons and he wants to grasp the opportunity with both hands.

“At Oldham we’re big on providing a platform and providing pathways for players.

"From what we’ve seen so far he’s a quality individual; he’s got some genuine pace and he’s fitted in really well with the other lads.”

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