Oldham add more Super League stardust with double coup

Oldham have further underlined their Super League intent with the double signing of winger Ethan Ryan and forward Matty Foster from Salford Red Devils for the rest of the 2025 season.

The 29-year-old Ryan has top-flight pedigree, having starred for Salford for the last two seasons after four years at Hull KR, where the Ireland international scored 22 tries in 42 appearances. Prior to that, his four years at Bradford brought an electric 88 tries in just 98 games having come through the Bulls academy.

The 24-year-old Foster is a talented back-row forward who came through the St Helens academy with Roughyeds centre Ben Davies, and has played 16 times for Salford this year.

The double signing sees the pair swiftly reunited with their former Red Devils team-mates Ryan Brierley and Jack Ormondroyd who joined Oldham earlier this month.

"This back end of the season is big for Oldham, we are right in that playoff spot and looking to push towards winning that Championship Grand Final," Ryan told Roughyeds TV.

Hopefully I can support the team and give what I can to push for that.

I know quite a few of the lads having played with and against them, and you look at this team and it is full of superstars. Oldham have built a really good team this year and I am glad to be a part of that."

Matty Foster said:

"I am really looking forward to it and just walking around the stadium you can see it is a great set up and already a star-studded team. I hope I can add to that and help the playoff push and the Super League dream that this club has got.

I will bring a lot of energy and I try to base my game off those one percenters that people talk about. I sometimes get called raw but that is just through hard work and trying to get my body where it needs to be."

Ryan goes straight into the squad for Sunday's huge Betfred Championship clash at London Broncos, Foster is not included.

Head coach Sean Long said:

"These are two quality signings who will add pace and power to our squad for the run into the playoffs. Ethan is lightning and a great finisher and arrives at a time where we have suffered a couple of injuries out wide.

Matty is still only young but plays like a seasoned Super League pro so I can't wait to work with both. A big thanks to Bill (Quinn) and Mike (Ford) for getting these deals over the line."

Chairman Bill Quinn also confirmed this week that as a gesture to Salford fans amid the club's current crisis that saw their last match cancelled, all Red Devils supporters would be offered free entry into Oldham's home Championship game with Doncaster on August 31st, and in the playoffs should Sean Long's men land a home tie.

"If there is something we can do to give light relief to Salford supporters then that is great, and I know that all our fantastic Oldham fans will welcome you with open arms," he said in a message to Salford fans.

"I'd like to make it clear that we are not trying to steal Salford fans. Our fans are our fans and Salford fans are Salford fans. But we are all in it together and we are stronger together."

Ryan added: "Bill's gesture is great so if anyone does fancy it, it would be great to have you over and support the lads who have moved."