Oldham bring in Keighley forward

Oldham have signed back-rower Emmerson Whittel from Keighley on a one-year deal.

The 24-year-old departed the Cougars due to their financial struggles and has now joined the Roughyeds for the 2019 season.

Whittel follows in the footsteps of former Keighley team-mates Ritchie Hawkyard and Scott Law in joining Oldham.

On signing Whittel, Oldham boss Naylor said: “We’ve done our homework on Emmerson and we’ve heard nothing but good things about him.

“He’s a tough, gritty lad — just the sort we like at Oldham.

“He’ll be training with us for the first time on Tuesday and I’m sure he’ll fit in really well.

“He’s another new signing in a squad that’s looking increasingly strong and exciting.”

On joining Oldham, Whittel said: “When I got a release from Keighley because of the well-documented problems, I contacted my former Gloucester boss Lee Greenwood, who’s now in charge at Dewsbury.

“He was well off for second-rowers but he said he would tip off his old mate Scott Naylor, who would want to make some inquiries about me.

“Scott phoned me about a week later and said he was interested and it all moved on from there.

“I’d been putting out feelers and a few other clubs were interested but I gave it a lot of thought and concluded that Oldham was the right fit for me. They’re a very competitive team and hopefully I’ll be able to play a part in helping them to get back into the Championship.”

Whittel has also previously played for Bradford Bulls and Gloucestershire All Golds.