MATTY Wildie claimed the top prize at Oldham’s annual awards evening held at Smokies Park on Friday night, writes Kasey Smith.

The hooker was awarded the Coaches’ Player of the Year recognising his role as one of the standout leaders in the Roughyeds squad during their title-winning campaign.

Presenting the trophy, head coach Sean Long paid tribute to the 33-year-old who he said “led by example” and was an important voice on and off the pitch.

Wildie was one of three who made the most appearances in 2024 for Oldham alongside Owen Farnworth and Ted Chapelhow – a clear sign of his importance to the side.

Also, Bailey Aldridge claimed the Supporters’ Player of the Year while Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e was announced as the Players’ Player of the Year.

20-year-old Aldridge struggled for gametime at the start of the year, but came into his own and became a vital outlet for Roughyeds off the bench.

The hooker beat top try-scorer Cian Tyrer and second-rower George Hirst to the prize, who also were commended for their efforts.

Loanee Laulu-Togaga’e scored 15 tries in 18 appearances for Oldham and was one of Long’s main attacking threats on the field.

The full-back, currently contracted with Hull KR until the end of 2025, did not comment much on his future but hinted that the club were working on his permanent capture.

Oldham gave out a number of other awards on the night hosted by former BBC broadcaster George Riley, now head of the club’s media and communications.

On the night, the club paid tribute to former director Haydn Walker who passed away in August after a long battle with various illnesses.

Training assistant Sam Doyle was commended for his selfless work and going above and beyond and took the Haydn Walker Person of Courage Award.

Host Riley was announced as Clubman of the Year after overseeing a successful year for the club’s media.

The club announced it had gained over five million social media engagements in 2024, claiming the top bracket in one of the aspects of the IMG framework, which now determines which clubs are allowed in the sport’s top flight.

Elsewhere, head coach Sean Long, PLT and Danny Craven have all been shortlisted for the forthcoming RFL League One Awards.

Long is nominated for Coach of the Year, Craven the Player of the Year and PLT is up for both Player and Young Player of the Year at this year’s ceremony to be held in Leeds on October 8.