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Triple chance

Gavin Browne
1/11/2006

OLDHAM have entered the Lions' den to sign another three former Swinton players.

Joining Wes Rogers and Stuart Oldham at the Roughyeds are Kris Smith, Michael Stout and Andy Crabtree after agreeing one-year deals for next year.

Smith and Stout can both operate at either loose forward or in the centre, while Crabtree is another versatile player who can operate at hooker or in the loose.

Their arrivals take the squad number to 21 for 2007 with a further three or four players in the pipeline.

Smith counts Leeds, Salford, Halifax and London Broncos among his former clubs before turning out for the Lions 20 times last season as they reached the National League Two Grand Final.

Stout began with the Warrington junior academy before switching to Widnes Vikings, where he turned out for both junior and senior academy sides.

He scored seven tries in 19 appearances last season, playing in the centre, on the wing, at second row and at loose forward.

Chairman Chris Hamilton said: "We were very impressed with Michael in the talks we had, particularly with regard to his outlook on the game and his enthusiasm for getting the opportunity to work with our coach Steve Deakin. He wants to come and learn and he feels that he will get that opportunity under a coach like Steve."

Crabtree began his career at Wigan where he played in the Great Britain academy team before moving to Swinton last year where, because of competition at hooker, he played nine games.

Hamilton added: "I think it's fair to say that Andy has lost his way a little bit since his days at Wigan and I think he'll be the first to say that himself.

"The main thing is he's really keen to get back on track and he's also looking forward to working with Deaks. He realises it's time for a fresh start and he's looking forward to Deaks and the Roughyeds giving him the new challenge he's been searching for."

• LAST season's shirts are on sale at the club office, priced £15 for adults and £10 for juniors.