Rugby training for Roughyeds on Snowdon.

Oldham Rugby League Club fans, players, head coach Stu Littler and senior management have congratulated assistant boss Brendan Sheridan, for climbing Snowdon with the rest of the squad on Saturday, 12 December. 

Less than two years ago, 42-year-old Brendan was fighting for his life in a Wakefield hospital, coming back from the brink after spending two weeks in an induced coma and on a ventilator to help him to breathe.

Back at home after three weeks in Pinderfield Hospital, the father of three said his continuing fight for full health and fitness, after Covid, was more of a mental struggle than a physical one.

Despite all that, Shez climbed 1,085 metres to the top of the biggest mountain in Wales and one of the biggest in the British Isles where he endured severe cold, snow and winds of up to 100 miles an hour.

Prop Luke Nelmes went on social media to describe Brendan as a "legend".

Another player, new-boy Callum Cameron, hinted that world-famous adventurer Bear Grylls would have found this tough and challenging.

Shez said: "It's the first time I've done anything like that since coming out of my coma. The boys were awesome. Our time on the mountain in the middle of winter was the toughest thing I've ever seen, but I can't thank them enough for helping me to achieve one of my goals."

Head coach Littler added: "I began to think we were mad. It certainly challenged both the body and the mind. It was a great day though with lots of physical and mental challenges.

"The boys ripped in and were fully together and committed, 100 per cent."

Fans were soon expressing their admiration on social media;

David Walker said: "How long since the team have had this sort of preparation ? It's going to be an exciting season."

Bryan Chadwick said: "Well done to all - a really tough challenge at this time of year."

A reminder to fans that 2022 shirt replicas need to be pre-ordered and they are being sold at cost price.

Also, the remaining 2021 merchandise items (replicas are basically unchanged) are going in a cut-price sale, as are large Roughyeds chocolate bars (ideal for stocking fillers) which are down from £3.99 to £2.

Oldham will be at home to amateurs Lock Lane of Castleford or Thatto Heath of St Helens when they enter the 2022 Betfred Challenge Cup campaign in round two on the weekend of January 29 or 30.

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