France international hooker Eloi Pelissier has joined Oldham with immediate effect on a deal until the end of the season, with the 33-year-old set to make his debut against former club Toulouse on Saturday.

Pelissier, who has scored nine tries in 23 appearances for France, arrives at Boundary Park from Pia in Super XIII and will join his new teammates for training tonight. The experienced hooker has previously starred in Super League for Catalans Dragons, Toulouse Olympique, Leigh and London.

“I am excited and am loving playing rugby league. I still feel in great shape and want a new challenge,” Pelissier told Roughyeds TV. “I was looking for an opportunity after performing for six months in the French season after my last game for Toulouse in the Grand Final with Wakefield.”

The Frenchman’s arrival comes at a crucial time for Oldham, who currently sit in the top four of the Betfred Championship, following the long-term injury to vice-captain Matty Wildie. Pelissier has previously worked with head coach Sean Long when the Roughyeds boss served as France assistant coach.

“I am a player with a lot of desire. That is the main thing for me, it is what I have done for 15 years, I play a lot with my heart and give everything on the field,” Pelissier added. “To make my debut against Toulouse is a big coincidence. I believe that everything happens for a reason and this is my time to come to Oldham.”

Head coach Sean Long welcomed the signing: “He’s a good lad, he’s like a firecracker out of 9 and very strong defensively for his size. We have been struggling with Wildie being injured so to have him in is good and I’m glad he’s jumped on board.”

---

Source: Read original article