Oldham have moved swiftly to continue their extensive recruitment drive, after securing the services of promising hooker Jamie Greenwood from Huddersfield Giants.
The Roughyeds fought off a number of interested parties to complete the deal, and the 20-year-old has become the 16th player to sign on the dotted line at the Vestacare Stadium during the off-season.
“I know [Roughyeds centre] Zack McComb well from Siddal and I’ve heard nothing but good about the club,” said Greenwood.
“Everything Zack has told me is positive and I’m really looking forward to it.”
The youngster – whose siblings are newly-appointed Dewsbury coaching duo Lee and Gareth – is also capable of filling the void at half-back and he admitted he owes this versatility to Giants U19s coach, Luke Robinson.
Greenwood continued: “He changed my attitude and helped me enormously, not only on the mental side but also in the technicalities of the game and of the position I usually play.
“I loved my last year there in a full-time environment and rubbing shoulders with top players.
“It must be a great way to earn a living. In my case it wasn’t to be, but I’m looking forward to a new chapter in my life now, working full-time for my mate, who has his own business, and seeing how I go in senior rugby with Oldham.”
Commenting on the acquisition, Oldham boss, Scott Naylor, said: “When we got the tip that Jamie was available I spoke to a couple of people at Huddersfield and they both spoke well of him and recommended that we sign him.
“He can play hooker or half-back and he’ll have youth and exuberance on his side.
“He’s another player who will give us options and that could come in handy, given that we have only two half-backs.
“It’s a step-up for him from Academy rugby, but it’s a great chance for him to make the transition and to advance his career via a different route.
“I’m looking forward to working with him and to seeing how he goes at our level.”
Elsewhere, Oldham have today announced that fans’ favourite McComb has re-signed with the club, after impressing throughout 2018 – his debut season within a semi-professional environment.
McComb notched a respectable 11 tries in 18 games after arriving from NCL Premier Division outfit Siddal, and the 23-year-old is now the 17th player to sign with the club ahead of 2019.
The club are expected to announce further signings in due course.