HAVING left Doncaster at the end of last season, winger Aaron Jones-Bishop has signed a one-year deal to cross the Pennines and play for Oldham.
His capture was announced at the club’s Awards Night, but the younger brother of Wakefield Trinity star Ben Jones-Bishop couldn’t be present because he flies off to Florida today (Sat) as part of the Jamaican squad for the 2021 World Cup qualifiers.
“He’s a good footballer with the pace and skills to go a long way,” said Roughyeds boss Scott Naylor, of the 28-year-old outside back, who had a season at Oxford before enjoying a three-year stay at Doncaster.
It was there last season that he scored 14 tries in 17 games, splitting his appearances between wing and centre.
Added Scott:
“It’s a good signing for us and I’m really pleased he is coming.
“If he comes with the right attitude and with the desire to represent the club and wear the shirt with pride, like the rest of the lads, I’ve no doubt he will be a very big part of the team next season.”
Born and raised in Leeds, the younger Jones-Bishop played initially for Milford where he received a serious foot injury which threatened his interest in the sport.
It was revived in his one season at Oxford before the then Donny boss Gary Thornton signed him. He had three years in South Yorkshire, the first half under Thornton, the second with Richard Horne in charge.
“I didn’t get as much game time as I would have liked because there was a lot of competition and we also had a good dual-reg partnership with Hull FC,” he said.
“When it became time to look elsewhere my agent sorted it with Oldham and now I’m really looking forward to it
“I also owe a big thanks to Jamel Chisholm, a good friend, who played at Oldham a year or two back. He told me it was a good club and to go for it, so I did.”
Aaron and Ben are both in the Jamaican squad to play in Jacksonville on November 13 and 17. It’s described as the strongest-ever squad, which includes also Ashton Golding of Leeds Rhinos and Mo Agoro of Newcastle Thunder.
Glenn Morrison has been drafted in as manager and Jermaine Coleman as assistant coach.
More Oldham signings will be announced next week.
