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RICHARD MERVILL

 
Prop Richard Mervill had a stunning season in 2007 -- his first for the Roughyeds -- and he was rewarded with a new two-year contract for 2008 and 2009 as well as a memorable night at the club's Players' Award Night at the Bower Hotel, Hollinwood.
 
The popular Merv, a fans' favourite, carried off three player-of-the-year awards: namely, the player of the year awarded by coach Steve Deakin; the players' player of the year voted by his peers; and the Support Group player of the year, chosen by the fans.
 
But what a difference a week made. Seven days later it was revealed that Richard had dislocated an elbow in training. He was likely to be out for four to six weeks and would probably miss the club's three pre-season friendlies.
 
However, news of the rock-steady prop-forward's retention on a new two-year contract was warmly welcomed by supporters, who fully appreciated the Yorkshireman's contribution in 2007 across 31 games -- more than any other forward -- in the rough and tumble of the midfield engine room.
 
Announcing that Mervill would be here for two more years, chief executive Chris Hamilton said: "Richard was one of our most consistent players in 2007. He carried the team forward all season and for a prop in the modern game he spent loads of time on the pitch as well as playing in nearly every game.
 
"He's a wholehearted player ---- certainly no 15-minute prop -- and you know exactly what you are going to get off him and that is 100 per cent commitment every time he puts on the shirt."
 
Before joining Oldham before the start of the 2007 season, Mervill played for Halifax and Keighley and also had a spell in Australia. He returned to England to join the Roughyeds with his Dapto (Australia) team mate and friend Drew Houston and then linked up at Boundary Park with several former Keighley team mates such as Ian Sinfield, Simeon Hoyle and Paul Ashton.