Oldham's 2023 squad now totals 22

Pre-season training started last Sunday in preparation for the big kick-off in Betfred League One which, for the Roughyeds, is against West Wales in Llanelli on February 19

With more to come, Oldham Rugby League Club's 2023 squad to play in Betfred League One now totals 22.

That figure includes new boys Patrick Ah Van from North Wales Crusaders, Jordan Paga from Hunslet, Lewis Sheridan, Zac Baker and Gregg McNally from Rochdale Hornets, Matty Wilkinson and Deane Meadows from Swinton Lions, Sam Bardsley from Salford Red Devils and Jack Blagbrough from Batley Bulldogs.

Winger Ah Van, a former international with Samoa; full-back or half-back McNally; and prop Jack Blagbrough are the most experienced new signings, all of whom have signed one-year contracts.

They and another long-serving rugby league stalwart, stand-off Martyn Ridyard, last year's club captain, will provide the nous and the knowledge to develop the club's many young players along with head coach Stu Littler and his No 2, Brendan Sheridan.

Littler is half way through a two-year contract and Sheridan, brother of former international half-back and now a Super League coach, Ryan Sheridan, has signed a new one-year deal to stick with Littler at Roughyeds.

Six of the 22 are aged 21 or under and six will become eight before the end of the week.

"We're putting together what we believe will be a very strong squad with a nice balance of youth and experience," said Littler.

The 13 members of last year's squad who have signed contract extensions or signed new deals include player-of-the-year Emmerson Whittel and young utility back Kian Morgan, who won a 'shooting star' award for his performances across four positions - full-back, wing, centre and outside-half.

The 22 signed so far are split into backs and forwards like this although, as befits the modern player, several of them are equally at home in both sections of the line-up.

BACKS: Joe Hartley, Kian Morgan, Patrick Ah Van, Jordan Paga, Martyn Ridyard, Lewis Sheridan, Gregg McNally, Calvin Wellington, Tommy Brierley.

FORWARDS: Emmerson Whittel, Sean Slater, Callum Cameron, James Thornton, Zac Baker, Luke Nelmes, Matty Wilkinson, Sam Bardsley, Deane Meadows, Ethan Ferry, Dom Newton, Jack Blagbrough, Billy Yarrow.

Pre-season training started last Sunday in preparation for the big kick-off in Betfred League One which, for the Roughyeds, is against West Wales in Llanelli on February 19.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.