Oldham sign local forward

Oldham have confirmed the signing of forward Matthew Fletcher on a two-year-deal.

Fletcher has been playing in Australia for the last year, with Valleys Diehards and Norths Devils in Brisbane.

He had previously played in this country for Oldham side Waterhead Warriors before signing for the Bradford Bulls Academy.

Fletcher told the club website: “I’ve supported Roughyeds since I was a boy; I know Gareth Owen and Danny Bridge; I know Matt Diskin from our Bradford days; and I’m back living in Oldham so it made sense to sign for my home-town club if I got the opportunity.

“I trained on Tuesday night and I’m hoping to make my debut against St Helens on Saturday at the Vestacare Stadium, but because Norths Devils come under the auspices of the NRL I need formal approval first before I can play.”

Head Coach Diskin added: “Matthew is a real talent. As a boy he played as a half-back, but in more recent years, as he’s got bigger, he plays as a forward through the middle channels, but he’s still got his ball-handling skills and he has a good offload.

“He’s a lad with a great attitude, he works very hard and he’s keen to do the best he can and progress up the ladder.”