Oldham win race for Super League star Bibby and snap up Nisbet from Down Under

Oldham have beaten off competition from Super League clubs to complete the signing of Challenge Cup winner Jake Bibby for the 2026 Betfred Championship season. 

The 29-year-old joins the Roughyeds after ending a three-year stay at Huddersfield Giants, having won the Challenge Cup with Wigan during a successful three seasons with the Warriors. 

Bibby also reached the Grand Final with Salford in 2019 and spent a short spell on loan with Oldham during his five years with the Red Devils.

The experienced outside back has signed a one-year deal with the option for a further year, and says he turned down offers to stay in Super League in favour of joining Oldham's bid to get there.

"This is an ambitious club who just missed Super League, and I have Super League ambitions," Bibby told Roughyeds TV.

"That has set us up for a good pre-season and Championship season and hopefully we can push on.

"This club is only going up and up and I feel like there is good quality players and coaching here to keep progressing. 

"I had Super League offers but there was something about wanting to help this club.

"You get a bit more out of that."

Bibby is at home playing either centre or wing and can also offer cover in the back row.

The former Huddersfield star admits he has personal points to prove after a difficult recent period in a struggling Giants side.

"It has been a challenging couple of years. Huddersfield were riddled with injuries so the team couldn't show its true worth," he added.

"I wasn't playing my greatest rugby at Huddersfield over the last couple of years but I have felt I am getting back on the horse and I have something to prove. 

"I am not a big-headed person and I am not a big flamboyant player but I will work hard.

"I am a team-first player and will put my body on the line.

"I am defence-minded as 'D' wins you games and trophies - I value that the most.

"I came on loan from Salford to Oldham and it has changed a lot, but so have I.

"I have seen the transformation and hopefully I can be a part of this journey.

"You need goals as a team - if not then what are you playing sport for?

"Every player's goal is to win a Grand Final. I still feel I am a Super League player and there are Super League-quality players here and in the coaching staff, so that feels like the end goal."

Head coach Sean Long said: "Jake will bring experience, aggression and good back-field carry.

"He has played at the highest level with Wigan and Huddersfield and I worked with him at Salford many years ago too.

"It is brilliant for this club to get him in."

Chairman Bill Quinn added: "This is yet another stellar signing for Oldham Rugby League and a reminder of our Super League aspirations.

"Players like Jake are Super League-quality and show our intentions to keep building here year on year."

Meanwhile, Oldham have also completed the signing of the former St Helens and Leigh outside back Tom Nisbet (pictured above) for next term.

The 26-year-old arrives at Boundary Park after a year with Townsville Blackhawks in Australia's Queensland Cup and has signed a one-year contract with an option for a further year. 

The former England Academy international had offers to stay in Australia but says that after talks with Sean Long and Mike Ford he could not wait to join the Roughyeds. 

"I'm really excited about this," Nisbet told Roughyeds TV.

"Oldham is a great club and having spoken to Mike and Longy I know there are really big goals for the future and that excites me - I am so happy to be here."

Nisbet came through the ranks at St Helens and made one appearance on loan at Oldham five years ago - it lasted 25 minutes after being sent off!

This time though Nisbet cannot wait to make a difference and excel in front of the passionate Oldham crowd.

"I work hard and am enthusiastic - you will always get 100 per cent from me," said Nisbet, who scored five tries in 13 appearances for Leigh Leopards prior to his move Down Under. 

"I am a strong runner, safe and trustworthy.

"Centre is my favourite position but I can cover back row, wing and full-back.

"I know this club is building and it really impresses me what Mike and chairman Bill Quinn are doing with the club. 

"Last year they did well in the Championship after getting promoted and I know there is a push for Super League now.

"Hopefully we can get there."

Long believes the new acquisition can make a real impact in the Championship. 

"I watched him playing for Blackhawks and he was at St Helens as a young kid when I was there," he said. 

"He has some real pace and strike and a very good skill set.

"He is versatile but can be an excellent centre for this team."

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