Oldham swoop for Ward

NEW signing Jarrod Ward.

OLDHAM Rugby League Club has made its first new signing for 2015 - beating off competition from several rivals to bring utility back Jarrod Ward to Whitebank.

Local lad Ward (20), who has signed a one-year deal, has been reared by Super League and Championship clubs Salford, Bradford Bulls and Halifax since he was 13 This season he played for Gloucester All Golds on loan from Halifax - and did enough to attract offers from eight clubs for 2015.

"He's a tough lad," said Roughyeds boss Scott Naylor. "He carries the ball tough; he plays the game tough; and he's very professional in everything he does. His game has improved steadily but he's still only 20 and I'm looking forward to working with him.

Ward, who can play wing, centre or full-back, first played as a 13 year old at Saddleworth Rangers and within six months was scouted by Salford. He played for Oldham town team at under-13, under-14 and under-15 and had a spell at Oldham St Anne's

While on loan at Gloucester last season he played twice against Oldham in the All Golds' two defeats at Whitebank.

Speaking from his current job in the south of France, Ward said: "I had a good season. I was made up to get several offers for 2015, some of them from clubs in the Championship and some offering more money than Oldham. "It helped that I knew (Oldham deputy coach) Lee Spencer, but I made up my mind about Oldham when Chris Hamilton drove over to Halifax and told me all about the club.

“I was impressed by what the Oldham chairman said and I'm sure Whitebank is the right place for me at this stage of my career."