Local born John was the first player to sign for the reformed club in late 1997. He had played his early rugby down at Keb Lane for Oldham Rugby Union before joining Waterhead ARLFC. He was later snapped up by Warrington before returning ‘home’ to become that historic first signing. John played in the New Year’s Day victory over Rochdale in 1998 and scored the first points for the ‘new’ club in a senior match when he touched down against Heworth in the Challenge Cup on January 18th 1998. He would go on to give nine years of tremendous service to the Roughyeds and was on the team sheet for 82 consecutive matches between Feb 1st 1999 – April 16 2001.
Player profile
Local born John was the first player to sign for the reformed club in late 1997. He had played his early rugby down at Keb Lane for Oldham Rugby Union before joining Waterhead ARLFC. He was later snapped up by Warrington before returning ‘home’ to become that historic first signing. John played in the New Year’s Day victory over Rochdale in 1998 and scored the first points for the ‘new’ club in a senior match when he touched down against Heworth in the Challenge Cup on January 18th 1998. He would go on to give nine years of tremendous service to the Roughyeds and was on the team sheet for 82 consecutive matches between Feb 1st 1999 – April 16 2001.