Lions youngster joins Roughyeds on loan

Scott Naylor has confirmed that Oldham RL Club's latest loan signing, Harry Aaronson, will be in contention for Sunday's 1895 Cup clash with Doncaster at the Vestacare Stadium, 3pm kick-off.

Local lad Aaronson (21), a winger who is said to be "lightning quick", trained with the Roughyeds squad last night (Thurs) and is expected to make his debut for his home-town club in Sunday's cup-tie.

He is here from Swinton Lions on a month's loan initially and club chairman Chris Hamilton said: "We are looking forward to having another local lad in our ranks and we are grateful to Andy Mazey and Stuart Littler at Swinton for helping us to get the deal done in time for Sunday."

Head coach Naylor said: "Harry slotted in well with us at training and it was good to have him on board.

"We can give him game time and that's what Swinton want, so it works well for both clubs."

Aaronson, who studies at the University of Leeds and has played three times for England Universities, played his early rugby at Saddleworth Rangers before going through the scholarship system at Huddersfield Giants and then signing for Swinton Lions.

He had two seasons at Keighley Cougars, scoring five tries in 15 senior appearances in 2017 and then doing enough in 2018 to rekindle interest from the Lions, who took him back.

He said: "Oldham need some reinforcements on the wing and I'm delighted to be given this opportunity."

Two of Oldham's wingers, Aaron Jones-Bishop and Kyran Johnson, are out of action long-term because of injury.

A third, Harry Maders, couldn't play at Keighley last week because of an allergic reaction to something unknown, but he is expected to be okay for weekend.

Second-row pair Danny Langtree (sternum) and Danny Bridge (groin) are definitely out, however, and to add to Oldham's woes Zack McComb has a shoulder problem that won't be risked and Emmerson Whittel, a two-try star of the Roughyeds' big win at Keighley a week ago, is unavailable for this one.

Said Naylor: "It's an opportunity for others to grab their chance and take it. It's what the squad system is all about.

"McComb could play at a pinch, but a setback could leave him sidelined for five or six weeks so it's simply not worth taking a risk."

Itching to get into the team are Adam Brook, Anthony Bowman, Ben Davies, Jamie Greenwood and new-boy Aaronson.

Looking ahead to the tie, Naylor said: "Donny have quality players, some of them among the best in the league. They've had a mixed season, but they are capable of beating anyone in the league on their day.

"We'll have to play well. They are one of the main teams in the division."

 

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