Oldham swoop for Smith as Craven departs

Oldham are delighted to confirm the signing of talented half-back Morgan Smith from Sheffield on an 18-month deal, with Danny Craven moving to the Eagles.

The 27-year-old Smith has played 73 games at Super League level for Hull FC, Wakefield, Warrington and London, and joins the Roughyeds with immediate effect.

The move for Smith comes after the club granted the 33-year-old Craven an immediate release from his own contract to take up an opportunity with Sheffield.

Both players are in line to play against their former clubs in Sunday's Betfred Championship meeting between the two teams at Boundary Park.

"I'm excited and this has happened quite quickly," Smith told Roughyeds TV.

Oldham are a top team and it is good to be coming to a top team. I hope I can add my little bit to the group and help us win games.

I have just turned 27 and I want to play at the highest level for as long as possible. I have had experience in Super League and hopefully I have grown as a player and person to help Oldham push to get up there too."

Smith is looking forward to linking up with Josh Drinkwater in the halves for the Roughyeds, and has previously enjoyed great success at the top of the Championship, scoring 22 tries for Featherstone Rovers in their run to the play-off semi-finals in 2022.

"When I was in the Championship with Featherstone I scored a lot of tries just by backing myself and that is what I plan to do here. Drinky is a really good quality half and vastly experienced. He is the general so if I can jump off the back of Drinky and do my bit then I think we will go well.

I know quite a few of the lads like Kieran Dixon, Matty Ashurst and Matty Wildie so they have welcomed me in and it seems a good group of lads here with togetherness."

Head coach Sean Long said:

"As soon as we were aware that Danny would be leaving we had to move to make sure we were covered. Morgan is a quality half-back and hopefully still has the best years of his career ahead of him, so I am looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the team."

Managing Director Mike Ford added:

"Danny approached us to leave the club after being offered a contract for the next 18 months with Sheffield. At the time we couldn't match it and decided to grant the release on the basis that we would acquire Morgan. We wish Danny all the best and welcome Morgan to the club."

Tickets are still available to watch Smith and Craven line up against their former clubs on Sunday afternoon!

Cheer on the Roughyeds by booking online here and save £4 on matchday prices.