Roughyeds bring Flanagan home

Max Flanagan will fulfil a childhood dream after signing a one-year deal with his hometown club Oldham.

The 25-year-old joins Roughyeds after spending the last three seasons with neighbours Rochdale Hornets, where he established himself as a try-scoring threat.

"It's every young lad's dream to play for their hometown club," said Max, who grew up watching the Roughyeds.

It's a bit of a full-circle moment, going from being a fan and being in the stands as a kid to now getting the opportunity to put the jersey on and play in front of such a great fanbase.

My biggest strength is my running game. There's some good forwards and good-quality half-backs here, so I see myself really chiming into the attack and creating some opportunities."

Flanagan scored 11 tries in the season just gone, playing exclusively at full-back for Rochdale, but he also brings experience of playing in the halves and at centre.

His signing also continues a family connection with Oldham. His father, Neil, made 52 appearances for Oldham between 1989 and 1992 before returning to the club in 1998.

Flanagan's own route into the professional game was less conventional, catching the eye of Newcastle Thunder while playing university rugby league in the North East. He made three appearances for Thunder before joining Rochdale in 2024.

Across his three seasons with the Hornets, he averaged a try every other game. Now, with a move to his hometown club secured, he will be looking to carry that scoring form into the 2027 campaign.

Head coach Alan Kilshaw said:

“Max’s signing shows our continued commitment to bringing the best Oldham-born players back to the town and giving them the opportunity to represent their hometown club.

Max’s development over the last two seasons has really caught the eye, and he performed very well against us for Rochdale last season.

He is very comfortable at fullback but is also a very good stand-off and equally comfortable at centre. He has genuine speed and agility, alongside a really good rugby brain, which gives us plenty of options.

Max has challenged himself to come in, cement a place in our 17 and represent the club he grew up watching. We’re excited to see him continue his development and thrive in an Oldham shirt in 2027.