ROUGHYEDS have snapped up Danny Craven on a deal lasting until the end of the 2025 season, writes Kasey Smith.

The half-back arrives at Boundary Park after spending a remarkable 14 seasons at Widnes Vikings.

He has been joined by another former Vikings player Owen Farnworth.

Upon signing on the dotted line, Craven said: “I felt like I needed a new environment and, after speaking with Mike (Ford), Oldham seemed like a club that wanted to achieve things.

“I think moving to Oldham will do me good and get my love for the game back, and I’m looking forward to starting.”

After joining the Vikings academy aged 17, he made 188 appearances for the Cheshire-based club and scored 69 tries and kicked 43 goals.

He has had spells on loan at Featherstone, Whitehaven and Workington during his 14-year spell with the Chemics.

The 31-year-old is renowned for his kicks, and will bring invaluable experience to Oldham.

One of the most consistent halves in the championship, Craven – since making his debut for Widnes – has amassed over 400 points scored.

“I try to get the team on the front foot through my kicking-game,” said Craven, on what he will bring to the side.

“I am good at organising the team, being vocal on the pitch and I like to lead from the front with actions.

“With the squad that is being assembled, the only objective for next year will be to win the competition. With the facilities the club has, everything is in place for Oldham to be successful and there’s no reason why we can’t be.”

Prop Farnworth has further bolstered Oldham’s ranks after signing a two-year deal with the club.

The 23-year-old arrives at Boundary Park after spending the past seven seasons with Widnes Vikings.

“I have been at Widnes for ten years and given my all for the club and I wanted a fresh start,” he said.

“When I heard Oldham were interested in me, I was excited to sign after hearing the plans and where the club wants to go.

“With the lads that we’ve already brought in, I don’t think we can go far wrong next season.

“In terms of what I bring, I’m a strong runner who is also able to lead the pack in defence and just somebody who shows up week in, week out.”

Farnworth started out playing for amateur club Chorley Panthers, before he joined the Vikings academy when he was 14.

He made his Super League debut for the club against Leeds Rhinos when he was just 17 and has gone on to make 81 appearances for Widnes.

Farnworth, before making his debut, represented England at academy level in their 2016 tour of Australia alongside players such as Danny Walker, Mikolaj Oldezki and James Bachelor.

The prop has played a key role for the Vikings in the past three years, making a total of 55 appearances and scoring three tries – two of which came during the recent 2023 season.