Oldham confirm partnership with Huddersfield

Oldham have confirmed that they will be in partnership with Super League side Huddersfield Giants in 2015.

This is change from last season, when Salford Red Devils were their partner club for dual registration.

Roughyeds head coach Scott Naylor is a close friend of Giants coach Paul Anderson, with the two having played together for Bradford Bulls.

“Paul is one of the new breed of coaches being given a chance in Super League and he has already shown his qualities by winning the League Leaders Trophy in 2013,” said Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton.

“He and Scott are good friends and another plus for us is that Huddersfield have an excellent record in terms of bringing players through their ranks and into the first team.

“From the outset, our discussions with Giants have been very positive. They know how close we have been to getting out of Championship One, or League One as it will be known in 2015, and they want to help us to achieve that goal.

“They are also aware, thanks to the connection of Scott (Naylor) and Paul (Anderson) and also to feedback from Nathan Mason, their young prop who was on loan with us over the last two seasons, that we have a very good set-up at the Oldham club.

“They have mentioned certain players who will be available to us and that sealed a decision we felt we had to make. We are very much looking forward to working with them.”

Giants managing director Richard Thewlis was equally pleased to be working with Oldham.

“We are sure this will be a mutually beneficial working relationship,” he said.

“The Oldham club has good coaches and a very professional set-up and that will enable our young players to go there and make progress as they strive to become fully-fledged Super League players.

“We have a good relationship with Oldham already and we are determined to make this work well for both clubs, happy in the knowledge that our players will be looked after by Oldham in the right environment.

“We are well aware of the Grand Final disappointments Oldham have suffered in recent seasons  and we hope this partnership will help Roughyeds to achieve their aim of returning to the Championship.”