ROUGHYEDS have brought in experienced playmaker Matty Wildie on a two-year deal, writes Kasey Smith.

The hooker arrives at Boundary Park after spending the past two seasons with championship high-flyers Featherstone Rovers.

A key reason for signing was the chance to play under Sean Long again.

“I rate Sean massively and I got on very well with him at Featherstone, I’m really looking forward to playing under him again.” said the 33-year-old.

Wildie wants to use his experience to help implement high standards at Oldham.

“I’d like to think I’m a leader on the field and I do all the little things right,” he added.

“I’m hoping that a lot of people follow that and, by doing so, I can help bring plenty of success to the club.

“We will have very high standards next season, we want to win every game.

“It will be everybody’s grand final playing us, next year, so it’s important we are on top of our game week in and week out.”

Wildie started in the youth ranks of his hometown club in 2004, before making his first team debut in 2010.

He spent a further four seasons at Trinity and made 42 appearances before signing for Dewsbury Rams ahead of the 2015 season.

Wakefield-born Wildie has gone on to make over 250 career appearances and crossed the line on 52 occasions while playing for teams such as Bradford, Leigh and Featherstone.

He has big game experience, having played in the 2022 1895 Cup Final at Tottenham Hotspur and earlier in 2018 when he helped Rovers win the Championship Shield.

Most recently, he played a pivotal role in Featherstone securing the Championship League Leaders Shield by 12 points.

Wildie will link up with former Rovers teammate Craig Kopczak, as well as the rest of the so-far 25-strong squad, this month in preparation for the 2024 season.

It is expected Roughyeds will add in two more new faces, making for a squad of 27 for next season.