Profile

Albert Brough came to Oldham from Barrow in August 1923 and was an instant and unqualified success. He first played at loose forward, but was equally effective in the second row or on the wing and was always amongst the points. On his debut he kicked a goal in the 8 – 5 win over Broughton Rangers in the opening match of the 1923-24 season.

Although not a very tall player he was an awesome all round talent, possessing speed, power and a fine defensive game, especially in the loose forward position where he was famed for “looking after” his half backs. Albert played in all four of the Challenge Cup finals in which the club appeared in the 1920’s, scoring a try in each of the victories in 1925 and 1927. An automatic choice for the 1924 tour, he played in the second Australian test in Sydney, helping Britain to secure the “Ashes” in a tight 5 – 3 victory and scored two tries in the third New Zealand test in Dunedin.

Four times he was the leading goal kicker and twice topped 20 tries for a season. Albert played in his last match for Oldham on the left wing, in a 16 – 0 win at Bramley in the first round of the Challenge Cup on February 9th, 1929, again being amongst the scorers with a try. Later that year he returned to his native Barrow and commenced playing soccer for the local team. He left having been one of the most prolific all round points scorers ever to play for Oldham RLFC.