WE are pleased to announce the signing, initially on trial but with a view to a permanent capture, of 20-year-old Waterhead and former Castleford Tigers scholarship, academy and reserves half-back or hooker Brad Jinks.
Roughyeds wish to thank Waterhead ARLFC for their co-operation and help in seeing this signing go through and for giving Brad a chance to return to the pro game after his four-year stay at Castleford.
A Tameside boy, who lives “round the corner” from Bower Fold, Brad had a couple of years at Saddleworth Rangers when he was a small boy before joining Waterhead at the age of 14.
By the time he was 16, he had caught the eye of Super League Clubs and he joined Cas, for whom he worked through the systems before signing a reserves-team contract.
“After that, I fell out with the game a bit, but I went back to Waterhead, rediscovered my love of the game there and made a fresh start.
“I’ve always considered myself a Waterhead lad but in fairness I did enjoy my four years at Cas and I feel sure I’ll enjoy my time at Oldham.
“I trained with Roughyeds last night, met Shez (Brendan Sheridan) and I’m really looking forward to showing them what I can do.”
Away from rugby, Jinks works for his uncle in the construction business, operating throughout Greater Manchester.
Said Sheridan:
“Brad has spent a long time passing through the various levels at Castleford, so he’s been used to working in good systems under good coaches at a good club.
“Young lads these days are rarely getting the chance to progress their careers once they’ve reached a certain level, but it’s to his credit that he went back to Waterhead where, by all accounts, he’s been playing out of his skin.
“To get the chance to come to us is a great opportunity for him to get back into the pro game and we are really looking forward to working with him.”
It’s the signing deadline tomorrow (Friday) and we will have more signings to announce before then.
