Benson believes in newby Roche

Oldham Head Coach Tony Benson is adamant that Roughyeds’ new boy Colton Roche will become a fans favourite of the Whitebank faithful in the near future.

At the moment, the 18-year-old from Leeds Rhinos is signed on a dual registration until the end of July. This makes him available for a number of crucial games in their race for promotion from Championship One.

Benson praised Roche for adapting to his new surrondings well. He said, “He didn’t know our plays or our structures, but he did enough on Sunday to show that once he is familiar with things here he is going to be very valuable to us.”

Benson added, “He has great attitude and he is very enthusiastic about playing at our level as part of his ongoing development.”

The back-row forward made his debut as a substitute in the two-point defeat to North Wales Crusaders on Sunday.