Oldham boss Diskin continues squad build

Oldham RLFC has signed a sixth new player for 2021 in experienced forward Shaun Pick, who has previously played for Featherstone Rovers, Toronto Wolfpack, Sheffield Eagles and Batley Bulldogs.

Before head coach Matt Diskin joined Oldham a year ago, he twice tried to sign 27-year-old Pick, who played in 30 of Sheffield's 31 games in 2018.

In 2019, and still at Sheffield, Pick made another 17 appearances, including his club's four 1895 Cup victories which saw off Halifax, Doncaster, Batley and Widnes Vikings in the final at Wembley.

"To play at Wembley and win the trophy as underdogs made for an amazing day and one I'll never forget" said Shaun.

He has signed a one-year deal for Roughyeds, having been convinced in separate talks with chairman Chris Hamilton and with coach Matt Diskin that the club is on the way up.

"I know the Oldham dream," said Shaun, "and I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to this new challenge. This year has been awful. You couldn't make it up. We're all itching to get going again."

Born in Pontefract, he was a junior at local amateurs Lock Lane before spending six years working his way through the Castleford Tigers development system, prior to joining Huddersfield Giants.

Featherstone Rovers came next, then he was lured to Canada by Toronto Wolfpack's first coach Paul Rowley and director of rugby Brian Noble, the former Bradford, Wigan and Great Britain coach.

He helped Wolfpack to take League One by storm in their inaugural campaign before he signed for Sheffield and enjoyed two seasons in South Yorkshire with a total of 47 appearances, most of them at prop.

He added: "I've played a lot of my rugby at prop, but I've always preferred the second-row and Disco (Diskin) not only understands that but agrees with me that its my best position.

"He's been interested in me for a while and he wanted to take me to Batley when he was there, but it didn't happen.

"Anyway, it's all come together now and the big thing for me is that Disco sees me as a second-row which suits me down to the ground."

Diskin said: "This is a great signing for us. Shaun is a big, athletic lad with lots of experience.  He's talented with a good offload and he'll be a great addition to the squad. 

"He'll be committed week in and week out and he'll be pushing for any position in the back-row of the pack."

Of the six new boys announced so far, four are big, strong forwards --- Luke Nelmes. Martyn Reilly, Tyler Dupree and Pick.