Young Salford hooker joins Oldham for season

Salford hooker Adam Files has joined Oldham on a season-long loan, as a result of the new partnership between the two clubs.

Files, 19, signed for the City Reds at the age of 15 and has previously been coached by Oldham assistant Lee Spencer, formerly reserves coach at Salford.

Head Coach Scott Naylor said: “We’ve got him for the season, and I’m very pleased to have him.

“I’ve known Adam, and watched him play, for a few years and there is absolutely no doubt that he will be an extremely useful addition to the squad. He’s an intelligent player, and very quick. On top of that he’s a good, young professional who is ready and keen to listen and learn.

“He definitely has the potential to make a big impact and to make people sit up and take note.”

While many of the Super League and Championship partnerships are expected to consist primarily of dual-registration agreements, Oldham were keen to negotiate a long-term loan with their new partners, having previously stressed their preference for a degree of permanence in any such transfers.

Files said: “It’s good to link up again with Spanner (Lee Spencer). I’m looking forward to having a season at Whitebank with the opportunity to experience first-team rugby. It should be good.”

The hooker played his early rugby with Warrington amateurs Woolston, where his father was a coach.