Newcastle Thunder sign Oliver Roberts following Huddersfield release

Newcastle Thunder have secured the signing of Oliver Roberts following his release from Huddersfield.

He joins on a deal until the end of the 2024 season and could make his debut this weekend against Workington Town in the Championship.

The 27-year-old was released by Super League club Huddersfield earlier this week. He had only made three starts for the club in 2022.

He said: “I’m looking forward to being part of Thunder. I had the opportunity to sign on a two-year deal from 2023 which I took and now I’ve had the opportunity to come earlier which I’ve taken with both hands.  It gives me the chance to get settled in and get started this year and begin building.

“Thunder are an appealing club with what Denis and they are pushing towards building. It’s a full-time club and they are going about building the right way, steady towards Super League and I am looking forward to being part of that over the next couple of years.

“I want to be a bit of a general. I’m 27 now and I’ve been playing full-time for ten years now so I want to be one of the leaders of the boys and getting the middles around the field.”

Betts delighted to sign Oliver Roberts

Newcastle Thunder director of rugby Denis Betts said: “We’re delighted to have secured Ollie. He is a player that we have been working to sign for the next two seasons so to be able to bring him in for the remainder of 2022 is very welcome.

“I am very grateful to Huddersfield for releasing him so we can do that.

“He is a big player who will bring a lot of experience to our group. I am really looking forward to working with him.”

Earlier this week, the club accepted the resignation of head coach Eamon O’Carroll.

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