Partners call for dual-reg review

DUAL-REG partners Oldham and Huddersfield Giants are united in their belief that current regulations “scuppered” the 2015 season for Giants youngsters Nathan Mason and Oliver Roberts.

Both contributed massively to Oldham’s exciting League One campaign, in which the Roughyeds went up as champions and league leaders. But rules governing the late-July signing deadline forced the Giants’ hand in recalling them just as Oldham’s promotion charge was hitting top gear.

They could have stayed after the deadline, but Giants would not have been allowed to have them back for the rest of the season and couldn’t take the risk. Mason and Roberts thus missed Oldham’s last five games and the promotion final.

Said Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton: “I share Giants’ view that the registration deadline ruined the experience for Mason and Roberts. They missed our late-season pressure games and ultimately the joy of being part of our promotion-winning side. I hope the RFL looks at this again.”

Giants managing director Richard Thewlis said: “Dual registration was running nicely until the RFL deadline scuppered it They helped to take Oldham to the brink of their promotion dream, but to be recalled when they were, given the regulations, was a blow to them and to Oldham.

“The clubs didn’t fall out, but we had to play the hand that was dealt us. We have made representations to the league to alter the system and promote young-player development.”

Hamilton and Thewlis confirmed both clubs are excited at the prospect of extending their partnership for a second year.

Said Hamilton: “The step-up to the Championship is a big one for us, but we have been talking to Giants about players and where they can help us. In this division there are massive differentials in funding and we will need all the help we can get.

Huddersfield were great with us last year, and we expect more of the same. We can tap into many areas of their expertise, such as conditioning, sports science, recovery, hydration, nutrition.”