Irwin back for more

Fin Irwin has signed a one-year deal to remain at Oldham, becoming the 20th Roughyed committed to the 2027 season.

The former Swinton forward joined the club in mid-July, making his debut off the bench in the 28-16 victory over Barrow Raiders.

A month later, the 21-year-old was handed a starting role at loose-forward away at Rochdale and reflecting on his time so far with the Roughyeds, he said:

“I really enjoyed it last year.

It was good to learn from top experienced players who’ve played at a very high level.

I’ve signed again with Oldham because it is a top club that wants to win the competition.

The team we have got for next year is more than capable of doing so and I’m looking forward to helping the club achieve its goals.”

Irwin came through the Wigan Warriors youth system before heading Down Under to play for Brisbane Tigers.

He also spent time in Warrington's system and before his move to Oldham, he had scored three tries in ten appearances for Swinton Lions.

Fin is the latest Roughyed to follow in his father's footsteps, joining Oliver Russell and Max Flanagan in continuing a family connection with the club.

His father, Chris, made 12 appearances for Oldham in 2003, scoring four tries.

Oldham boss Alan Kilshaw said:

“Fin made a really positive impression on us when he came into the group towards the end of last season.

He stepped up when called upon and showed he was more than capable of competing at this level.

What excites us about Fin is the potential he has to develop into a really effective ball-playing middle.

He has some good attributes to his game and we believe there is plenty of improvement still to come.

With a full pre-season under his belt and more time working within our systems, we’re confident he can take his game to another level and become an important part of the squad moving forward.”