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Time to look to the future

8/10/2008

OLDHAM Roughyeds have paired up the Coyle boys from Wigan by re-signing James and bringing in his younger brother Thomas to play alongside him at half-back.

Thomas (20) comes from the same background as big brother James (22), whose 21 tries in 37 appearances from the scrum-half position last season has earned him a new one-year contract.

Like James, Thomas played his early rugby at Wigan St Pat’s, before working his way through the junior ranks at Wigan Warriors and playing the odd game in Super League.

He had a spell on loan with Halifax in National League One last season, but has now followed his brother’s footsteps to relaunch his career in National League Two.

Thomas, who has signed a one-year deal with the Roughyeds, can play in either half-back spot and will provide selection options in the key pivotal roles.

"Everyone at the club is looking forward to seeing the Coyle boys play alongside each other again, as they used to do in the Wigan reserve team," said the Roughyeds’ chief executive Chris Hamilton.

"Thomas is an exciting prospect and he is looking forward to the challenge of playing first-team rugby week in and week out.

"Both signings are important ones for the club. James was bitterly disappointed with how the season ended – both for the team and for himself – but he was carrying loads of responsibility, particularly in the Grand Final and in other games when Neil Roden was injured and we didn’t have a recognised stand-off outside him.

"He has contributed massively to the team since he came here midway through the 2007 season, and we are delighted to get his younger brother on board too."

Roughyeds now have six senior players on board for 2009, with the Coyles joining skipper Robert Roberts, prop Luke Sutton, utility back Marcus St Hilaire and new signing Andy Ballard, from Salford City Reds.

They have also signed four teenagers from their Reserves side as well as 24-year-old full-back Anthony Bingham, who made a big impression in the Reserves.

Bingham, a rugby league newcomer but one blessed with undoubted potential, has turned his back on American Football in Germany, preferring instead to sign a two-year deal with Oldham.

Chairman Bill Quinn, meanwhile, has assured fans that no stone will be left unturned in the club’s search for a ‘quality’ coach to succeed Steve Deakin, whose contract has not been renewed.

"We are looking for a quality coach with a proven track record," he said. "We have already had several inquiries from home and abroad."

The vacancy, for either full-time or part-time coach, has been advertised in the trade press.