Oldham confirm Wilkinson signing

Oldham boss Scott Naylor has secured the signature of highly rated hooker Matty Wilkinson who joined the club mid-season from Salford.

Aged 21, the former Salford Red Devils youngster will challenge for the key dummy-half role against the more experienced Gareth Owen and Kenny Hughes.

He impressed in the midst of Oldham’s big injury crisis at the latter end of the season, playing in nine of the last 11 games, scoring two tries.

“Halifax were also interested in him, but he chose to come to us and he quickly showed that he’s a very intelligent hooker who can see things at the ruck and capitalise accordingly,” said Roughyeds head coach Scott Naylor.

“He’s young, keen, willing and a very professional lad who’s prepared to listen and learn.

“We’re delighted he is staying with us and I’m looking forward to working with him in a full pre-season and beyond.”

Wilkinson had a spell on loan with North Wales Crusaders in 2016 before Salford sent him out on dual-reg to Halifax in the early part of last season.

His new deal takes to 14 the number of players who are now under contract for League 1, comprising of ten who have re-signed, a trio of newcomers in Paul Crook, Luke Nelmes and Danny Rasool plus half-back David Hewitt, who is half-way through a two-year agreement.

Added Naylor: “Things are coming along nicely, but we’ve still a lot of work to do ahead of pre-season training which will start next month.”

Roughyeds, meanwhile, wish it to be known that clubs still haven’t been informed about the League 1 format for 2018, although news is expected within the next few days.

The club also says it is at an advanced stage in the process of sorting out a home venue for next season but, due to circumstances outside it’s control, it can’t confirm anything just yet.