Roughyeds boss Sean Long believes Oldham’s dual-registration partnership with Salford Red Devils will help provide playing opportunities for his men who are not getting game time.

The deal, announced last Thursday, will see the movement of players between the two clubs with both sides benefitting from each other’s talent.

The partnership will also allow Roughyeds to tap into Salford’s resources whenever the club is short on numbers.

With a squad of 27, and several free weekends across the 20-game League One season, there are limited playing opportunities.

And Long sees the deal working well for his players on the periphery such as the likes of half-back Kieran Tyrer, who has already featured for the Red Devils’ reserves side.

“We can tap into some of their players when we are struggling and vice versa,” Long explained.

“If we need our lads to play some game time in the reserves, like Kieran has, they can go out and get some minutes under their belt.

“It’s good for our players learning their craft, but also if they have any players returning to action they can come to us.

“Neither side will be forced to take players, we will work together to form a good partnership with Paul Rowley and Salford.”

Unlike loan deals, which in rugby league have to be for a minimum of two weeks, players under dual-registration can switch between clubs, appearing for one in a given week, and then representing the other the following week.

“Oldham’s positivity, drive and ambition is something that is a privilege to be involved with and I am looking forward to both clubs benefiting from this connection,” said Red Devils head coach, Paul Rowley.

Salford director of rugby, Ian Blease said: “This agreement will now allow players, from reserve through to first-grade, an opportunity to gain valuable game time with a local club.”