Oldham sign Sheffield centre

Oldham have signed young centre Tom Ashton from Sheffield until the end of the season.

Ashton, 22, recently left the Eagles due to work commitments, having landed full-time employment in Stockport.

He said: “Two or three other League One clubs were also interested, but when I talked to Oldham and trained with them a couple of times it just felt right for me.

“There was a buzz in the air and everybody seemed very ambitious.”

Ashton becomes Oldham’s second centre signing in six days, following the return to Whitebank, for a third loan spell, of Salford’s Jon Ford.

Roughyeds coach Scott Naylor said: “When we heard Tom was available we followed it up immediately because he has a lot of qualities to his game.

“It will take him a bit of time to get used to us, and to understand what we are trying to achieve, but I am looking forward to working with him and seeing him reaching a position in which he has earned his place in the team.”

Ashton played his junior days at Leigh Miners, and also played rugby union for Sale Sharks academy.

He made eight appearances for Sheffield last season.