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Wilko back on Roughyed beat

20/ 2/2008

IT SEEMS the police have helped Oldham Roughyeds recapture one of their coach’s most wanted.

Alex Wilkinson thought his rugby league career was over when he joined the police force, but new rules mean Wilkinson has been able to re-sign for Steve Deakin’s side.

Wilkinson’s appearance in the National League Two Grand Final against Featherstone last October could have been his last in an Oldham jersey, but regulations regarding police officers and outside commitments have now been relaxed.

Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton said: "The police are now happy for their officers to have a second job so long as the force is fully aware of it and has approved it."

Wilkinson’s new contract runs until November 30, although the 25-year-old may miss training or matches if they clash with his work.

"It’s a great signing. Alex had an outstanding season in 2007," said coach Deakin.

Wilkinson trained with Roughyeds on Monday night but Deakin is planning to ease the player in slowly.

"It will be too early to consider him for Friday’s home game against Salford," added Deakin. "He will need a little time to find his feet and integrate, and I must also show respect to the players who have been doing the hard yards since pre-season training.

"Alex has never stopped training on his own and once he has settled back into the routine he will need no more than a couple of weeks."

Wilkinson, who has played 35 Super League games, has scored 21 tries in 71 games for the Roughyeds.

He has featured regularly for his hometown club in a variety of positions, including wing, centre and back-row.

After three seasons with Oldham, the former Bradford Bulls, Huddersfield Giants, London Broncos and Hull player looked to have retired when he started as a police officer.

But he said: "I’m delighted to be back. I never wanted to leave in the first place. It was just that I had made up my mind I wanted to join the police and my long-term future had to take priority. "