Josh Drinkwater explains key motives behind 'ambitious' Championship move

Josh Drinkwater has signed for a new club following his release from Warrington Wolves. The 32-year-old has penned a one-year deal with ambitious Championship outfit Oldham Roughyeds for the 2025 season.

The former Wire half-back has spent nine of the last ten years in the British game, first signing for London Broncos in 2014. He has also spent time at Leigh Leopards, Catalans Dragons, where he won the Challenge Cup competition in 2018, and Hull KR. He also spent time with Wests Tigers in 2018, having debuted for St George Illawarra Dragons in 2013.

Drinkwater will now link up at Boundary Park, with Oldham one of two Championship newcomers after automatic promotion from League 1 last season. The club, who are led by chairman Bill Quinn and managing director Mike Ford, claim they beat off competition from both Super League and Championship clubs to secure Drinkwater's signature, with the Aussie a big coup for the high-flying outfit.

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That ambition is part and parcel of Drinkwater's decision to sign. He said on the move: "This is a club that is ambitious, and I wouldn't have come if it wasn't. 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 1 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."

He continued: "I played in the Championship in 2016 with Leigh, so I understand the competition. It is totally different to Super League; the grounds can be boggy and slower, but I am a half-back and like playing on the ball and being in control of teams. I like to be in full control of the team and play my best footy when I free everyone else up.

"I spoke to Longy about that, and he wants that too. I wouldn't have signed if it wasn't the right fit for me. I am too old and have been through too much playing over here."

Meanwhile, Long believes the signing of Drinkwater is a big statement of intent from the club, who also have the likes of Jordan Turner, Adam Milner, Elijah Taylor, and Craig Kopczak in their squad.

Long added: "It is an unbelievable signing for us; we are made up. 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.

"His leadership can bring a calming influence to our attack. Like a quarter-back he will calm us down. 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.

"We struggled a little bit when DC was out last season and had to put Matty Wildie in there, which I don't want to do this year. The strength in depth through our squad is quite impressive. Come round one, my job is going to be really difficult."

Oldham kick off their Championship season against York Knights on February 16.

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