Roughyeds boss Long confirms captains and leadership group

Head coach Sean Long has confirmed that experienced hooker Matty Wildie will be Oldham's vice-captain this season, supporting hometown hero Jordan Turner who continues as the club captain. 

Wildie steps up following the retirement of last season's vice-captain Joe Wardle, who is now Long's assistant coach.

The Roughyeds boss has revealed that Turner and Wildie will be part of a six-man leadership group for the 2025 campaign, including new signings Josh Drinkwater, Matty Ashurst, Gil Dudson and Adam Milner.

"JT as captain was outstanding last year and Matty Wildie will be vice-captain," Long told Roughyeds TV.

"I also have some good leaders that we have brought in from other clubs in Adam Milner, Matty Ashurst, Gil Dudson and Josh Drinkwater so you can't really go wrong with our leadership group who speak really well and drive the standards.

"JT being Oldham born and bred is massive for the club and he wants to finish off on a high.

"I don't know if this will be his last year but I know he will be putting everything in to try to bring some silverware back to the club.

"Wildie leads by example and gives 100% in training and in games.

"He has high standards and that is the sign of a true leader.

"He doesn't point the blame at anyone else and he just gets better. It is a good fit.

"The boys have a meeting every Tuesday and anything they want to improve on I always listen to.

"They come with ideas on what we need to fix, on-field and also if there are any issues off-field too.

"There ideas are fantastic and I lean on them quite a bit."

Oldham have a weekend off this week after three bruising games in seven days last week, against Super League champions Wigan plus Cup wins over Rochdale Hornets and Mayfield.

Next up for Long's men is the eagerly-awaited Challenge Cup third round tie with Barrow at Boundary Park on Sunday, February 9, with tickets and hospitality available now.

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