OLDHAM managing director Mike Ford hailed Jordan Turner’s role in resurrecting the fortunes of his hometown club after the former Super League centre announced his retirement at 36.
The England Knights and Jamaica international started as a junior at Waterhead and went on to win the Super League Grand Final with St Helens in 2014.
Turner also played for Salford Red Devils, Hull FC, Huddersfield Giants and Castleford Tigers as well as having a spell at Canberra Raiders, before joining Oldham ahead of the 2024 season.
He skippered Sean Long’s side to the League One title and promotion, and despite injury issues, has featured seven times in the Championship and twice in the 1895 Cup this season, scoring four tries.
In total he has topped 400 appearances and 150 tries, and Ford, who is plotting a Super League future for the club, said: “Jordan was our guy to pick us up from the bottom and lead us into the Championship.
“He has done his job for the town and led the team well. He has played a lot with injuries this year and has been heroic in not having an operation and putting the team first.”
Coach Long, who played alongside Turner at Hull, said: “Jordan is an unbelievable player and an unbelievable bloke.
“Every time you write him off, he comes back bouncing, but this time he has put his hand up and called it a day. It has been a real pleasure working alongside him.”
Turner said: “I am content and I’m happy, for myself, my family, my teammates and the club.
“I’ve known nothing but the game since I was a kid up to now being a 36-year-old dad-of-two, but we all have a shelf life as Rugby League players. We come and we go and I am completely accepting of that.
“I never thought I would get the chance to play for Oldham at this level. I feel happy I have done and have been part of setting this club off again.”