Profile

Bob Sloman came to Oldham from the Plymouth Albion Rugby Union club in August 1921, making his debut in the 10 – 3 victory over St Helens on August 27th of that year.

A towering forward, he would become an automatic choice for the Oldham second row for the next eight years, which would encompass the successful Challenge Cup period of the mid 1920’s. He was renowned for his long striding runs, at pace, through the heart of the opponents’ defence, often sent on his way by a well timed George Hesketh pass.

Promoted to club captain, he revelled in the extra responsibility proving to be a fine leader on the field, inspiring fellow colleagues to follow his example.. In the 1926-27 season he led the team to victory in the Challenge Cup and remains the last Oldham skipper to lift the trophy when Swinton were defeated 26 – 7 at Wigan. Bob himself rose to the occasion scoring a try, as Oldham swept away the “boys in blue” with an emphatic second half display.

One of only two Oldham players to be selected for two Antipodean tours, all of Bob’s five international caps came on his second trip in 1928, when he played in all three tests against Australia, helping the his country to “Ashes” success and the first two tests in New Zealand.