New boy in line for Shay debut

TOM SPENCER . . . one-month loan deal.

SCOTT Naylor has confirmed that Oldham’s new prop Tom Spencer will go straight into the selection mix for Friday’s Kingstone Press Championship game at Halifax.

Aged 25, and unrelated to the Roughyeds’ father-and-son duo of Lee (assistant coach) and Jack (player) Spencer, Tom has joined Oldham on a month’s loan from Leigh Centurions.

He trained with Roughyeds for the first time last night and given that Naylor’s men had only two recognised props in their 17 against Warrington Wolves (cup) and only three against Leigh Centurions (league) he looks a banker bet to make his debut against Halifax at The Shay, which kicks off on Friday at 8pm.

With Jack Spencer ruled out of the last two games with a broken hand and Joe Burke ineligible for the three Ladbrokes Challenge Cup ties against Kells, Hull KR and Warrington, Phil Joy and Michael Ward have had to shoulder a phenomenal workload in the front row during an exceptionally tough run of games.

Tom Spencer’s arrival, albeit on a short-term arrangement with Leigh, is described by Naylor as ‘the perfect match’ because it will give the player the game time he is seeking and it will provide Roughyeds with an experienced replacement for the injured Jack Spencer, who is likely to be out for a few more weeks yet.

New-boy Tom recently made his 100th career appearance after joining Leigh on dual registration from Wigan Warriors in 2012 before ultimately making a permanent move to Leigh.

His consistency for the Centurions is clearly demonstrated in his appearance stats ­— 18, 26, 25, 20 (13 tries in total) in the seasons 2012 to 2015 inclusive.

He topped his century of appearances this season, but he is currently in a front-row queue behind Jamie Acton, Aussie Dayne Weston, Harrison Hansen and Jake Emmitt.

‘GAME TIME’

Said Naylor: “Tom is looking for game time and he’ll get plenty of that with us. He’s a top player. Other clubs were interested in him so I’m delighted he is coming to us and I would like to thank everyone at Leigh for their assistance in seeing the move through.

“He’s a good, experienced prop so this is a move that will suit both parties. Tom will strengthen our pack and I’m looking forward to working with him and seeing him make an impact.”

Leigh boss Neil Jukes said: “It is my responsibility to ensure that all players who are not currently in the 17 get competitive games, especially at this stage of the season, and the opportunity for Tom to join Oldham will benefit all parties.

“Oldham are a good, competitive side, well coached by Scott Naylor, and they have a physical pack.

“During Tom’s month at Oldham we shall be monitoring his performances closely. Hopefully he will come back, having had regular games. He will then be in a great position to challenge for a place in our 17.

“I’d like to thank Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton for his assistance in this deal.”