Oldham snap up Huddersfield starlet

Oldham have signed promising hooker Jamie Greenwood from Huddersfield for the 2019 campaign.

Greenwood will provide competition for Gareth Owen and Matty Wilkinson at the Roughyeds, having emerged from the Giants’ academy.

He is the younger brother of Lee and Gareth. Lee is the current Dewsbury Rams coach, with Gareth being his assistant.

On crossing the Pennines and signing for Oldham, Greenwood said: “I know Zack McComb well from Siddal and Lee has known Chris (Hamilton) for several years, ever since he played there, and I’ve heard nothing but good about the club.

“Everything Zack has told me is positive and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I owe a big thank-you to a lot of people who have helped me along the way, including my brothers, but also Luke Robinson, who did a lot for me at the Giants.

“I loved my last year there in a full-time environment and rubbing shoulders with top players. It must be a great way to earn a living. In my case it wasn’t to be, but I’m looking forward to a new chapter in my life now, working full-time for my mate, who has his own business, and seeing how I go in senior rugby with Oldham.”

Oldham boss Scott Naylor commented: “When we got the tip that Jamie was available I spoke to a couple of people at Huddersfield, and they both spoke well of him and recommended that we sign him.

“He can play hooker or half-back and he’ll have youth and exuberance on his side.

“He’s another player who will give us options and that could come in handy, given that we have only two half-backs.

“It’s a step-up for him from Academy rugby, but it’s a great chance for him to make the transition and to advance his career via a different route. I’m looking forward to working with him and to seeing how he goes at our level.”