Ward’s pro deal reward

Michael Ward

DUAL code starlet Michael Ward is to take up a professional contract with Oldham Roughyeds.

The Royton teenager has played at first-team level for Oldham RUFC — a code in which he also represented Lancashire up to under-19 level — but has agreed a two-year deal with the rugby league club after impressing at reserve-team level over the past two seasons.

Ward (18) is the first of the crop of youngsters who played under John Hough during the 2009 season to be offered a two-year deal to turn pro.

“Michael is definitely a forward and he likes to be in the thick of the action,” said Roughyeds chairman Chris Hamilton.

“He has a big appetite to learn and progress as a player and is keen to do everything he can in order to give himself the best possible chance.

“He is one of several players from the reserves set-up of whom we have high hopes.”

Ward, who has also played league at junior and youth level for Oldham St Anne’s, is expected to be joined by a number of other young reserve players who turned out under Hough’s charge last season.

He will hope to follow in the footsteps of fellow former Saints man Chris Clarke and Ben Heaton, both of whom have been promoted to first-team duties for 2010 after impressing as first-year professionals last season.

“Michael is a really good prospect,” said Hough. “He came to the fore towards the end of last season, winning an award as the reserves’ player of the month, and will be a good addition to the squad.

“He has played at wing and centre for us but with his size, we put him in at second row and that is when he really flourished.”