The Huddersfield Giants are to enter into a dual-registration partnership with Oldham for 2015.
It will work along similar lines to the link-up with Batley, when Giants head coach Paul Anderson made his fringe Super League players available to Bulldogs boss John Kear.
But with Championship club Batley having strengthened their squad significantly, Huddersfield have decided a new dual-registration deal with Championship I Oldham rather than the Bulldogs will prove more beneficial.
“We have enjoyed a super and open partnership with Batley over the years and, as always, we reviewed the situation from both clubs’ perspectives with John Kear and (Batley chief executive) Paul Harrison at the end of the season,” explained Giants managing director Richard Thewlis.
“It became clear the make-up of both clubs’ proposed squads didn’t fit for dual registration, as we had worked it in the past.
“We have probably our most promising crop of younger players for many a year in the 19, 20 and 21 bracket that need regular senior time, and Batley’s squad is expanded and stronger than last year to fit in with their new league structure and the challenges that will bring them.
“Fortunately, the opportunity then arose with Oldham in Championship I through the relationship Paul has with his former teammate Scott Naylor (they played together at Bradford Bulls), who is working with smaller numbers and has positional areas that we all believe our players can fit into. Chris Hamilton (the Oldham chairman) was also keen to pair up.”
Oldham chairman Christopher Hamilton admits he can’t wait to see Huddersfield’s most talented youngsters helping his club’s bid for Championship I glory.
“Huddersfield also have an excellent track record of bringing players through their ranks into the first team, and right from the start of our discussions with them everything has been very positive,” said Hamilton.
“They are aware of how close we have been to getting out of this division and want to help us achieve that goal.
“They know we have a good set up through the connection between our coach Scott Naylor and Paul Anderson and also the feedback from Nathan Mason, who we have had on loan over the last two seasons.
“With the players they have mentioned who will be available to us it was a decision we felt we had to make and we look forward to working with them.
“I also know Paul from when he played for England and I was manager. He is one of the new breed of coaches being given a chance in Super League and has already shown his qualities by winning the Super League Leaders Shield in 2013.”
