Mick Worrall was part of the successful youth recruitment programme of the late 1970’s and played a starring role as the Oldham Colts team swept all before them.
A tall, powerful second row forward, he came to Oldham from the Crosfields amateur club in Warrington, making an immediate impression with his long striding runs, safe defensive work and could be called upon as a reserve goal kicker. Mick was still only 17 when he made his debut on April 20th 1980 at Bramley. This was the last match of the 1979-80 season and also provided Andy Goodway with his first taste of senior Rugby.
It was Worrall, however, who was the first to establish himself in the first team and after the second division title was won in 1981-82, he proved that he could compete at the highest level and subsequently was selected for the 1984 tour. Playing well in the opening club games, Mick was selected for the first two test matches in Australia and performed most impressively, before knee problems caused him to miss the last half of the tour.
Mick would have one more game against the Aussies when the Kangaroos played at Oldham in 1986 and again he relished the challenge, making a brilliant break through the “green and golds” defence to lay on the opening Oldham try for Colin Hawkyard.
More niggling injuries punctuated his time at Oldham before he left to join Salford in 1987. Since the end of his playing days, Mick retained his interest in the game locally by becoming coach to Saddleworth Rangers.
Player profile
Mick Worrall was part of the successful youth recruitment programme of the late 1970’s and played a starring role as the Oldham Colts team swept all before them.
A tall, powerful second row forward, he came to Oldham from the Crosfields amateur club in Warrington, making an immediate impression with his long striding runs, safe defensive work and could be called upon as a reserve goal kicker. Mick was still only 17 when he made his debut on April 20th 1980 at Bramley. This was the last match of the 1979-80 season and also provided Andy Goodway with his first taste of senior Rugby.
It was Worrall, however, who was the first to establish himself in the first team and after the second division title was won in 1981-82, he proved that he could compete at the highest level and subsequently was selected for the 1984 tour. Playing well in the opening club games, Mick was selected for the first two test matches in Australia and performed most impressively, before knee problems caused him to miss the last half of the tour.
Mick would have one more game against the Aussies when the Kangaroos played at Oldham in 1986 and again he relished the challenge, making a brilliant break through the “green and golds” defence to lay on the opening Oldham try for Colin Hawkyard.
More niggling injuries punctuated his time at Oldham before he left to join Salford in 1987. Since the end of his playing days, Mick retained his interest in the game locally by becoming coach to Saddleworth Rangers.