Rugby League: Oldham's Ben Davies remains loyal

Oldham RLFC

Prop Ben Davies is the eighth member of last season's relegated Oldham RL squad to stick with the Oldham in League One.

Davies, 27, had the opportunity to move on but, like several others, he chose to stay at the club where friends matter and friendships are fostered.

He said: "I have been at a few clubs in my time but Oldham are the tightest group I have ever been with, no doubt about that.

"We are all good mates together and I want to be playing with my best mates, that was a big factor in my decision to sign a new contract for 2018.

"Last season I thought we were strong enough to be challenging in the Championship, so it was a bitter disappointment for everybody when we went down.

"Serious injuries cut us apart, but if we can keep most of the lads together for next year we'll have a good chance of going straight back up.

"I feel sure we'll certainly be challenging."

Davies, from the Wigan area, said he was looking forward to again playing in the same pack or off the bench alongside Adam Neal, Phil Joy, Danny Langtree, Gareth Owen, Craig Briscoe and Jack Spencer, all of whom have also committed to Roughyeds for next season.

Club chairman Chris Hamilton said: "For a variety of reasons, last year was a difficult one for Ben. We did not see the best of him.

"Other clubs were interested, as they were in a few of the lads we have re-signed, but Ben was always keen to stick with us and repay the faith we showed in him.

"He has shaken off a few niggling injuries, which will obviously help, and he is a very experienced prop who should be a big player for us next season."