Former Kiwi international Elijah Taylor makes surprise move to League One club

Elijah Taylor made the shock move last season when he left Super League’s Salford Red Devils to link up with Championship side Featherstone Rovers, however prior to the 2024 campaign he’s made an even more surprising move to join Oldham in League One.

Taylor will turn 34 as the upcoming season starts but there’s no doubt about his pedigree having represented his nation 11 times and put together a stellar NRL career that featured over 175 games.

In 2021 he made the switch to Super League joining Salford Red Devils who he skippered but after two seasons he made the move to Featherstone, and he now swaps Post Office Road for Boundary Park where he has signed on a two year deal.

The move sees him reunite with Sean Long, the man who recruited him at Featherstone, and it marks another serious statement of intent for the Roughyeds who are putting together an incredible side that would surely compete in the Championship, never kind League One.

Taylor’s move was confirmed via a club statement that read: “ROUGHYEDS have completed a major piece of recruitment after signing former New Zealand forward Elijah Taylor on a two-year deal.

“The second-rower arrives at Boundary Park after a stellar career in the NRL, where he made 186 appearances playing for New Zealand Warriors, Penrith Panthers and Wests Tigers.

“A key reason for putting pen to paper was to be coached again by Sean Long who Taylor played under this year at Featherstone.”

Speaking on his move, Taylor explained: “Sean taught me a lot from my time at Rovers on and off the field.

“I was impressed with Mike Ford and the club’s vision going forward. It’s an exciting opportunity and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”

The Roughyeds get a true leader who heralds the highest levels of experience having starred for New Zealand in their 2013 World Cup final and he’s certified quality on the pitch in Oldham’s campaign for promotion.

He’s yet another high profile signing following the likes of Leigh Leopards centre Joe Wardle, whilst Taylor’s former Featherstone teammates Craig Kopczak and Matty Wildie have also arrived at Boundary Park this week to form a reunification with Long.

As well as confirming the news of Taylor’s arrival Oldham added that they were intending to add more members to their squad next week, highlighting their huge intent and ambition under the guidance of Mike Ford and coaching of Long.