Star trio headline at Roughyeds' awards night

Image courtesy of Jane Henthorn / ORLFC

Matty Wildie was named Player of the Year and Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e Players' Player of the Year as Oldham celebrated their title win in style with their fans and sponsors.

Hooker Wildie was rewarded for an outstanding season at a glittering awards ceremony at Smokies Park, as he secured the coaching staff's vote as their Player of the Year ahead of fellow nominees PLT and Owen Farnworth.

Wildie's consistent top-level performances were a backbone of Oldham's successful promotion charge.

Youngster PLT, who is short-listed for both the Betfred League One Player and Young Player of the Year awards by the Rugby Football League this month, was named the outstanding performer of the title-winning season by his team-mates, ahead of Farnworth and Danny Craven.

The on-loan Hull KR star scored 15 tries in 18 Roughyeds appearances, thrilling fans with his electric footwork and pace.

And in a close-run vote for Supporters' Player of the Year, hooker Bailey Aldridge came out on top ahead of another rising star George Hirst and top try scorer Cian Tyrer, who ran in 30 tries in all competitions - only Wigan's Liam Marshall scored more.

Training assistant Sam Doyle was recognised for his bravery and outstanding club service with the inaugural Haydn Walker Person of Courage Award, in honour of the former Roughyeds director and coach who died this year.

Doyle made headlines last month in a viral social media clip seen by over 600,000 as he battled a stammer to speak to the team in the Boundary Park dressing room at the end of the season.

And Clubman of the Year was won by Oldham's Head of Media George Riley in his first season with the club, recognising the outstanding work of his media team including Kasey Smith and Guy Harvey.

Managing Director Mike Ford and Chairman Bill Quinn thanked and rewarded sponsors, supporters and club staff on the night, handing out Betfred League One champions medals to all who played a part in a triumphant season.

With more new signings promised, the squad will return to training later this month to start preparations for the step up to the Championship in 2025.

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