Naylor hands winger a fresh start

OLDHAM have signed a young winger claimed to be one of the fastest players in English rugby league.

Former Leeds Rhinos scholar Jamel Chisholm (22) has signed a one-year contract with Roughyeds for the 2016 season after catching Scott Naylor’s eye while playing on loan for London Skolars in July

Naylor, one of three nominees for the Kingstone Press League One coach of the year award, said: “He’s the kind of player we are always looking for — a winger with huge potential, who has not had the break or the luck he deserves since he left Rhinos. He is keen to take up a new challenge with us at Whitebank.

“He’s an exciting prospect and I’m looking forward to bringing him into the club and working with him.

“He’s fast, strong and athletic, with a good attitude, and I’m sure he’s going to do well for us.”

He joined Rhinos on scholarship forms as a 15 year old, and a year later signed pro forms for the Super League club where he played five years of academy rugby at under-18 and under-20 levels.

In 2012 he scored 27 tries in 18 academy games, but since Rhinos released him he’s been at Featherstone and York, who loaned him out first to Hemel Stags and then to London Skolars, without progressing as quickly as many thought he would.

Chisholm said: “I’ve been unlucky with injuries, but I’m fully fit now and I’m hoping for an injury-free season at Oldham so I can get back to playing as well as I know I can. It’s a new challenge and I can’t wait to link up with Oldham for the start of pre-season training later in the year.”



Other nominees for coach of the year alongside Naylor are John Duffy of Swinton Lions and James Ford of York City Knights. Top of the table Oldham beat Swinton at home and away and, in their only clash with York, won 34-12 at Whitebank.

Roughyeds and Swinton also dominate nominations for League One player of the year, to be contested by Lewis Palfrey and George Tyson of Oldham and Richie Hawkyard and Andy Ackers of Swinton.

Winners will be announced at Monday’s annual Kingstone black-tie dinner in Manchester.



OLDHAM are waiting for RFL clarification on matters relating to the promotion game at Whitebank on Sunday week, September 20, probably against Keighley Cougars, before announcing full details as soon as they are able to do so.