Naylor stands by banned Dan
OLDHAM have stood by suspended Danny Bridge and handed the second-row forward a new contract for the 2019 season.
The 25-year-old was handed a nine-month ban in July after pleading guilty to a Grade F charge relating to making contact with referee Cameron Worsley during Roughyeds’ fixture against Keighley Cougars.
He will be eligible for selection again at the end of April next year and was delighted to repay the club’s loyalty.
“The club stuck by me when I was at an all-time low, so all things being equal, I was never going to go anywhere else,” said Bridge.
“I made a big mistake in the heat of the moment and let down the club, the lads, the coaching staff and the fans, so my intention was always to get back into the side as quickly as possible to make up for lost time and to put the awful events of the past few months behind me.
“I’ll miss the first couple of months of the season, but I can’t wait to get back.”
Bridge scored 10 tries in 20 appearances prior to the incident at Cougar Park and coach Scott Naylor is pleased to have retained the forward, particularly after Danny Langtree left the club to join Hull FC.
Naylor explained: “After losing Langers, it was absolutely imperative that we kept hold of Danny Bridge.
“In the first half of the season, he was right up there with Langers at the top of the Roughyeds tree. It was a huge loss when he was banned.
“I have no doubt whatsoever that he will again be one of our best players in 2019. He’s top quality and to keep hold of him is a massive signing for club, squad and team.”
Elsewhere, Swinton have tied Ireland international Will Hope down to a new two-year deal at the club – with an option for a third season – and re-signed Aaron Hall for the 2019 Betfred Championship campaign.
Swinton-born Hope said: “I have a family history at this club and it feels good to carry that on.
“I’ve always wanted to play for Swinton deep down for that reason, and when I signed mid-way through last year, I realised how much it meant to other people as well as myself. Re-signing for a couple more years made sense to me. I have a lot going on away from rugby at the moment, and it’s nice to be able to commit to both sides of what I do without any disruption.
“But most of all I play because I enjoy it, no other reason.”
The new deal sees Hope continue to work alongside his international coach Stuart Littler at club level.
“Will was absolutely outstanding for us last year and is a real leader within our team,” said Littler.
“He cleans up a lot of the dirty work every week and has big minutes in him whether that is in the middle or in the backrow.”