Ex-Castleford playmaker signs for Championship side

Former Castleford Tigers reserves halfback or hooker Brad Jinks has signed with Championship side Oldham.

Initially signing on trial, the 20-year-old is hoping to earn a permanent deal after being playing at amateur level for Waterhead ARLFC in Oldham.

As a youngster, Jinks played for Saddleworth Rangers and Waterhead before joining Castleford having caught the eye of the Tigers scholarship coaches.

The hooker/halfback stayed at the Jungle for four years, but never made the breakthrough to the first-team, a fact which led to him falling out of love with rugby league.

“After that, I fell out with the game a bit, but I went back to Waterhead, rediscovered my love of the game there and made a fresh start,” Jinks said.

“I’ve always considered myself a Waterhead lad but in fairness I did enjoy my four years at Cas and I feel sure I’ll enjoy my time at Oldham.

“I trained with Roughyeds last night, met Shez (Brendan Sheridan) and I’m really looking forward to showing them what I can do.”

Oldham boss Brendan Sheridan was happy about welcoming Jinks to Bower Fold.

“Brad has spent a long time passing through the various levels at Castleford, so he’s been used to working in good systems under good coaches at a good club,” Sheridan said.

“Young lads these days are rarely getting the chance to progress their careers once they’ve reached a certain level, but it’s to his credit that he went back to Waterhead where, by all accounts, he’s been playing out of his skin.

“To get the chance to come to us is a great opportunity for him to get back into the pro game and we are really looking forward to working with him.”