Oldham sign Giant Mason

Oldham have signed highly-rated Huddersfield prop Nathan Mason.

Mason, 19, is a former junior at local club Waterhead and he will intially go to Whitebank on a month’s loan.

He comes highly recommended by the Giants’ head coach Paul Anderson, who played in the same star-spangled Bradford Bulls side as Oldham boss Scott Naylor between 1999 and 2003.

They were team mates on many big occasions, including three Challenge Cup finals at Twickenham, Murrayfield and the Millennium Stadium.

“We’ve kept in touch ever since,” said Naylor. “We often chat about players. Nathan was one of the young players we have spoken about in the past. 

“When I raised his name again, Paul spoke very highly about him and expressed the belief that a move on loan to Oldham would provide him with invaluable experience at this stage of his development.

“He’s been playing at under-19s level, but Paul believes he is ready to step up to a level where the challenge will be more physical.

“He’s been on my radar for a few weeks as an Oldham lad who might fancy a crack with his hometown team while he waits for his big chance in Super League with the Giants.

“I’m looking forward to working with him. Hopefully, he will enjoy his time with us and go back to Huddersfield having benefited from a taste of senior rugby in Championship One.”

Naylor, who could be without the injured Jason Boults for up to six weeks, moved quickly for Mason when Salford’s Jordan Walne, who played for Roughyeds against Hemel Stags on dual registration, went to Workington on loan.