Naylor snares young Saints back

THREE players are chasing the two half-back spots at Oldham RL following last night's loan signing of 19-year-old David Hewitt from St Helens.

Although the agreement is initially for one month there is potential to extend the loan until the end of the season.

Hewitt trained with the Roughyeds for the first time last night and may be given his debut against Oxford at Whitebank on Sunday (3pm kick-off).

"I might throw him in at the deep end, but I haven't decided yet," said coach Scott Naylor.

Explaining the rationale behind the capture of a player who will be the second-youngest member of the squad behind 18-year-old Tom Dempsey, Naylor added: "Half-back is the only department where we don't have competition for places.

"You can go through the side and every position is covered, but we only had two half-backs and that made us vulnerable in those key roles.

"We've played Kenny Hughes there in the past, but we all know he's a hooker. We've also tried Jack Holmes at half-back, but we feel he's better suited to other positions.

"David Hewitt is a recognised half-back looking for first-team experience so we'll see how he gets on. He's a possibility for Sunday, but I'm not sure yet. I'll have to give it more thought.

"He's come to work with us for a month initially, but if all goes according to plan we'll then be able to sign him on long-term loan.”