Oldham-born centre Nathan earns Roughyeds chance

Nathan Roebuck is pictured with Roughyeds head coach Sean Long

The Roughyeds have signed Oldham-born centre Nathan Roebuck on a deal until the end of the season, with the 24-year-old in contention for an immediate debut away at Newcastle in League One this weekend.

After retiring from the sport last summer, Roebuck has been training with Sean Long's squad for the past few months and agrees a contract after impressing in training as he rediscovers his hunger for rugby league.

Injuries to Oldham captain Jordan Turner and most recently Kian Morgan, who limped off early in the thrilling comeback win in North Wales, has led the Roughyeds to seek reinforcements, and Long has confirmed that the former Keighley Cougars star will go straight into the squad for Sunday's trip to the North East.

"Nathan has been training with us in pre-season and all season and is now training with us Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday which is great for us," Long told Roughyeds TV.

"We are a bit short in the outside backs so I want to see him and I am excited to see him.

"He's a local lad so this is exciting times."

Roebuck played his amateur rugby league with Saddleworth Rangers before joining Warrington's scholarship and academy programme, and made his Super League debut for the Wolves in 2020, scoring a try against Salford.

Following loan spells in the ensuing seasons with Leigh, Salford and this weekend's opponents Newcastle, Roebuck spent two seasons with Keighley where he scored 13 tries in just 16 appearances before leaving to pursue opportunities outside of the sport.

Now with his appetite for rugby league restored at the Roughyeds, Roebuck is keen to take his chance and make an immediate impact. 

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