Burke adds to Oldham's prop options

NEW DEAL . . . Joe Burke

THE relevance of prop power and front-row domination is reflected in Scott Naylor's team-building operation for next season.

Having previously re-signed Phil Joy, Jack Spencer and Michael Ward, the Oldham coach went out and recruited a fourth front-rower in Ben Davies from Whitehaven.

He's now added a fifth by retaining Joe Burke for a second year on a new contract; and given Naylor's insistence that middle-unit solidarity is a pre-requisite of Kingstone Press Championship success, the Welshman might not be the last prop to put pen to paper for 2017.

Dual-reg Tyler Dickinson (18 times) and on-loan Jack Blagbrough (seven times) were also used extensively in the engine room last season with four props on duty in nearly every game.

Burke, signed in March from North Wales Crusaders, put in a 22-game shift and did enough to earn a new deal.

"He's got a big engine, which means he has good minutes in him and that's a strong asset for any front-rower to possess," said Naylor.

"He went better and better as the season progressed. He's a good pro with everything he needs to be a top-class prop and it's good that he will be with us again next year."

Burke, who has played several times for Wales, is sweating on playing for his country again in the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.

He went on: "I was a late arrival (at Oldham), but the boys made me feel welcome and helped me to settle in.

"I had played previously in the Championship with North Wales Crusaders so I knew what to expect ­- a massive jump from League One in terms of intensity, physicality and speed.

"We set goals that were realistic and achievable and we got to where we wanted to be."