Former Hull FC man Morgan Smith has penned an 18-month deal with Championship challengers Oldham, it has been confirmed.
Smith was released by the Black and Whites on the eve of pre-season alongside Jack Walker and Liam Tindall and he took up a deal with Sheffield Eagles. However, he has been allowed to leave the South Yorkshire club after just half a season to join Oldham, with Danny Craven going the other way.
The playmaker made 10 appearances for the Eagles and scored six tries, but he will now be focused on helping Oldham as they look to keep hold of a spot in the top four and challenge on their first season back in the second tier.
Craven had been with Oldham for two seasons, making 34 appearances and scoring 15 tries, with 11 coming last season as the club were promoted from League One. He’ll be focusing his efforts on helping Craig Lingard’s side attempt to pull away from the bottom three over the final months of the campaign.
Speaking on his switch to the Roughyeds, Smith told the club: “I’m excited and this has happened quite quickly.
“Oldham are a top team and it is good to be coming to a top team. I hope I can add my little bit to the group and help us win games.
“I have just turned 27 and I want to play at the highest level for as long as possible. I have had experience in Super League and hopefully I have grown as a player and person to help Oldham push to get up there too.”
Head coach Sean Long added: “As soon as we were aware that Danny would be leaving we had to move to make sure we were covered. Morgan is a quality half-back and hopefully still has the best years of his career ahead of him, so I am looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the team.”
Championship half-back takes break from rugby league
The deal comes after half-back Logan Astley was released by Oldham after expressing his desire to step away from the sport for a period of time.
Astley has made just two outings this Championship season for the Roughyeds, with his last coming last week against Widnes Vikings, but he has left the club with immediate effect.
Managing director Mike Ford said: “Logan has been considering his future for a while. Unfortunately after the game against Widnes on Sunday he confirmed to us that he would like to take time out of the sport and pursue opportunities away from rugby league.
“It goes without saying that everyone wishes Logan all the very best and he will always be welcome at our club.”
