Martin Murphy RIP
17th January 2026
The Heritage Trust were deeply saddened to hear of the death of former Oldham player, Martin Murphy (Heritage Number 690).
A true legend of the club, Leigh born, Martin signed for Oldham on December 6th 1966 having played three trial games in the ‘A’ team. He made his debut a few weeks later against his hometown club in a 14 – 5 victory at Watersheddings. A full- back with immense courage, he went on to become the leading post war appearance maker for the club and played in every position in the back division. However, it is as a full-back that Martin will be best remembered, especially for copy book defence, taking down the heftiest forwards, tricky half backs or speedy threequarters with the same total thoroughness and efficiency. Surely one of the fastest full backs ever to wear the Oldham colours, he won the BBC try of the season award for a long-range effort against Leigh in the Floodlit trophy semi-final in 1972.
Capped by Lancashire, he also made one appearance for England, scoring a last gasp try to clinch an 11 – 9 victory against the French in Perpignan, on January 19th, 1975. Probably the last of the great clubmen of Oldham RLFC, Martin had the honour to captain the team in the centenary season of 1976-77. He made 462 appearances for the Roughyeds scoring 52 tries and is a member of the ‘Hall of Fame. Anyone who watched the club from the mid-1960s to the early 1980s could not help but have fondness for the ginger haired full-back who always gave one hundred percent.
The sincere condolences of the Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust are offered to all of Martin’s family and friends and what follows is an eloquent appreciation written by his daughter Martina.
Martin Murphy — The Last Great Club Man
Oldham is a town built on loyalty — to place, to people, to purpose. Few embodied that spirit more completely than Martin Murphy, an Oldham Rugby League legend whose life in the game stands as a testament to commitment, humility, and unwavering service. Martin, who has died aged 77, devoted 16 seasons (1966–1982) to Oldham Rugby League Football Club, making an extraordinary 462 first-team appearances. In an era defined by grit and loyalty, he became a constant — trusted, resilient, and deeply respected. A natural full-back, Murphy was known for his calm authority, fearless defence, and total reliability. He captained Oldham during the club’s centenary season in 1976–77, a role that reflected not just his ability, but his values. His excellence was recognised beyond the club. He represented Lancashire, and in 1975 earned international honours with England, memorably scoring a dramatic last-minute winning try against France in Perpignan — a moment cherished by rugby league supporters.
His contribution is part of the story of Oldham’s rugby heritage. Items linked to him and other greats of the Roughyeds feature in the 150 Years of Oldham Rugby League Football Club exhibition at Gallery Oldham, which celebrates the club’s remarkable history and preserves the legacy of players like Murphy for future generations.
Inducted into the Oldham Rugby League Hall of Fame, Martin Murphy is remembered not simply for records or accolades, but for something rarer: unwavering loyalty. He is widely regarded as the last great club man — a player whose life mirrored the steadfast spirit of the town he served. The family would like to thank friends, former teammates, and the wider Oldham rugby league community for their kindness, respect, and messages of support at this time.