Wigan Warriors trio join League 1 clubs on loan

Wigan Warriors trio Ben O’Keefe, Logan Astley and Tom Forber have made short-term loan moves to two League 1 clubs. 

O’Keefe, 19, joins Rochdale on an initial two-week loan deal. The centre is a graduate from Wigan’s academy and has been playing in the club’s reserves side. He scored four tries against Bradford in their 50-0 victory.

The youngster already has strong ties to the club; his father, Paul, played at stand-off for Hornets in the 1991/92 season.

Head coach Matt Calland, who played with his father during his time at the club, said: “Ben has been on my radar for a while.

“He’s a young local lad who is hungry to come and play for Rochdale so he can follow in his Dad’s footsteps.

“Ben’s done really well since making the step up from academy rugby. As Wigan’s reserves have no game for a few weeks, we saw this as a great opportunity.

“We’re delighted that Wigan have let him join us on a two-week loan deal.”

Wigan Warriors duo join Oldham

Forber, 18, has made the move to Oldham on a two-week loan deal. The club also recently signed half-back Logan Astley from the Warriors. The 18-year-old also joins for the same time period.

Oldham have also signed Billy Yarrow from Dewsbury Celtic.

Head coach Stuart Littler said: “We started off with three hookers, Ryan Wright, Brad Jinks and Sean Slater. But currently we only have Ryan available because of Sean’s knee injury and Brad’s groin damage.

“Brad and Sean can also play half-back, so the injuries affect us in the halves too and that’s why Logan Astley has come in.

“The arrangement suits both clubs and we thank Wigan for putting their faith in us to look after their bright, young lads, just as we thank Paul Heaton and all the people at Dewsbury Celtic for their assistance with the Billy Yarrow signing.”

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