Former Warrington forward finds new club

Former Warrington Wolves forward Pat Moran has found a new club as he signs for Oldham in League One.

The 25-year-old signs after a year playing for Avignon whose season recently concluded after they reached the play-offs in the French Elite One league.

He describes himself as a “versatile forward” who can put in long stints and arrives with a mission to get Oldham “back to where they should be”.

“Every prop has to adapt and be a lot fitter these days, and I feel I come under that category – I back my fitness levels and I can do long minutes,” said Moran.

“I know Stu (Littler) pretty well and I like the direction the club is going in to try to get Oldham back to where they should be.

“He’s a very experienced coach and, hopefully, I can play well under him and show what I’m about.”

Moran, a product of the Warrington Wolves academy, made his debut for The Wire in the Challenge Cup against Bradford in 2018.

He went on to make two appearances for the club, before he joined Widnes Vikings in 2020.

Moran has made over 70 appearances in the Championship for clubs such as Rochdale Hornets, Sheffield Eagles and London Broncos and, most recently, Newcastle Thunder where he was full-time.

He has had two stints playing in France’s premier division, which boasts players of the likes of James Maloney, Jason Clark and Tony Gigot.

In 2019, he represented Ireland on two occasions and scored two tries for the country who, at the time, were coached by Stuart Littler.

“He’s a player I know a lot about, as I’ve worked with him previously,” said the Roughyeds boss.

“He comes to add experience to our middle’s, he’s in good shape and is ready to go.

“We’ve been on the look-out for the right type of person to add value to our squad on and off the pitch and somebody who fits into our culture.

“Pat fits that criteria and we’re looking forward to seeing him in an Oldham shirt.”

The club can also announce the departures of Ethan Ferry and Calvin Wellington who leave Roughyeds due to work-related reasons.

Second-rower Ferry made 18 appearances and scored a try since signing from Dewsbury Celtic, ahead of the 2022 season.

Welsh centre Wellington scored four tries in the 11 games he featured for the club after signing at the end of 2021.

“Ethan has had a promotion at work which meant he would be away at weekends and he can’t make training,” explained Littler

“He’s gutted to be finished with the sport, but that’s the perils of part-time rugby – player’s have to provide for their families, and it’s an opportunity he felt he couldn’t turn down.

“Calvin is similar, he’s doing a university degree as well as working and has tried to balance rugby within that.

“He thought it was best to spend some time away from the game, and both him and Ethan go with our best wishes.”

The club would like to place, on record, its thanks to both Ethan and Calvin.