Profile

Oldham acquired John Cogger from Runcorn Highfield where, in spite of the club’s lowly standing, he had won the second division ‘player of the year’ award in 1987. Playing mostly at loose forward and occasionally at stand-off, John soon endeared himself to the Watersheddings faithful with a ‘hat trick’ performance against Featherstone soon after joining the Roughyeds.

A tough uncompromising performer, elusive with a good turn of pace, John had previously played for the Sydney club, Western Suburbs before trying his luck in England. The Magpies loss was certainly the Roughyeds gain as Cogger with his distinctive blond hair and aggressive style became a big favourite with the Oldham fans. He was club captain in 1989-90 when despite their second division status, Oldham reached the Lancashire Cup final and the Challenge Cup semi final, losing the latter in controversial circumstance when what seemed like a legitimate last minute try was disallowed for offside.