OLDHAM have made a major statement of intent by securing the signature of Australian half-back Josh Drinkwater on a one-year deal, writes Kasey Smith.

The 32-year-old has been a major playmaker in the last five years at the top of Super League and arrives at Boundary Park as Oldham’s premier signing.

Drinkwater has been involved in every play-off series in the last five years and most recently reached the semis – as well as the Challenge Cup Final – with Warrington in the season just gone.

His standout year came in the 2021 season where he was the top try provider, racking up 29 assists as he helped Catalans Dragons to their first League Leaders Shield and Grand Final appearance in their history.

“This is a club that is ambitious and I wouldn’t have come if it wasn’t,” he said.

“I am on the other side of the world, I am here to play rugby and I want to achieve things.

“You saw how good this club went in League One, and the signings they have made for the Championship.

“With Sean Long as the coach and the squad we have got I am really confident we can have a good crack at doing something pretty special.”

Sydney-born Drinkwater kicked off his career in the NRL with St George Illawarra Dragons in 2013 and also featured for Wests Tigers.

His first stint with Catalans came in 2018 where he kicked four conversions in the Dragons’ first ever Challenge Cup victory, defeating Warrington 20-14.

The signing is a major coup for Roughyeds and is a significant boost for their play-off hopes in 2025 – a sentiment echoed by head coach Sean Long.

“It is an unbelievable signing for us, we are made up,” said the Roughyeds boss.

“His record speaks for itself and he has played at the highest level. I know he had a couple of Super League offers but he is happy where he is living and we got it over the line - he is made up too. It is a massive coup for us.”

“He is smart and has a great short kicking game and they are the improvements we wanted to build on from last year.

“We have Riley Dean and Danny Craven and with Josh coming in everyone will have to up their game.

“The strength in depth through our squad is quite impressive. Come round one my job is going to be really difficult.”