WE are delighted to announce that we have further strengthened our squad for 2021 with the capture of a second young player from the renowned Wigan Warriors school of rugby league skills and sciences.
They have each been at Wigan for several years and have played together at scholarship, academy and reserve-team levels.
In last year’s Super League under-19s Grand Final they formed a centre-wing partnership together in the 22-10 win against arch rivals St Helens, each scoring a try.
Saints included John Hutchings, another young player who later signed for Roughyeds and has since agreed a new deal for 2021.
Roberts, like Holcroft, has signed a one-year contract and is eagerly looking forward to a new challenge in first-team football at a level only one rung down from Super League.
Said Diskin:
“Max is a very talented young player with a great attitude. He is itching to get started with us and we are looking forward to working with him. He’ll be pushing for a spot in the back-row or at centre.”
From Atherton, near Leigh, he started at Leigh Miners as a boy and then moved on to Blackbrook Royals in St Helens before signing for Wigan on scholarship forms at the age of 15.
Diskin and club chairman Chris Hamilton convinced him that he could do no better than sign for Oldham.
Said Max:
“We talked about the club, the game generally and Oldham’s goals and targets for next year and beyond and I liked what I heard. At Wigan I mainly played centre or second-row, but I’ve also had a dabble at hooker.
“Growing up as a boy all I ever wanted to do was to sign for Wigan. I’m glad I did because I was really happy there, but it was time to move on and in sport, as in life, there’s always something else turns up.
“Oldham was definitely the best option for me and now, like Ben, I’m really looking forward to a new chapter at Oldham and facing up to the new challenge of playing in a different environment in the Championship.”
He is currently studying for a degree in coaching and physical development and he also has a part-time job.
Our squad, as announced so far, numbers 21 and includes eight new signings in Tyler Dupree (Leeds Rhinos), Martyn Reilly, Luke Nelmes, Tommy Brierley (all Dewsbury Rams), Ben Heaton (Hunslet), Shaun Pick (Batley Bulldogs), Ben Holcroft (Wigan Warriors) and Max Roberts (Wigan Warriors).
Backs: Lewis Charnock, Dave Hewitt, Tommy Brierley, Cam Leeming, Dan Abram, Ben Heaton, John Hutchings, Ben Holcroft, Max Roberts.
Forwards: Danny Langtree, Tyler Dupree, Martyn Reilly, Luke Nelmes, Matthew Fletcher, Matty Wilkinson, Gareth Owen (capt), Jack Spencer, Liam Bent, Phil Joy, Ed Smith, Shaun Pick.
