Wigan Warriors ace tipped for 'strong year' after securing deal

Makin, who recently turned 22, is widely regarded as one of the most promising front-row talents to come through the Warriors’ system.

“Playing at Oldham is an opportunity for Harvey to continue his development," said Peet. "He has worked hard in the off season and we anticipate a strong year from him.”

The powerful prop spent part of the 2023 campaign on loan at Oldham, marking his debut with a try in the Challenge Cup against Doncaster, which quickly endeared him to the Roughyeds’ supporters.

Makin, a former St Jude’s junior, has since continued his development through a series of further loan moves, including spells at Barrow Raiders, London Broncos, Salford Red Devils and Bradford Bulls.

"I'm very excited to join Oldham," he said. "It is a club that is building which excites me.

"Oldham's ambitions are Super League and that aligns to my own. This is a very ambitious club and I wouldn't go to a club who doesn't want to win every game.

"I want to bring loads of energy and a good intensity and try to raise the team - either with individual actions or geeing people up so we can win the game.

"Wigan is the best place in England to be when you are coming through the system but I want to show Oldham what I have learned and what I can bring to the team.

"I know a few of the lads already - I played with the Salford lads when I was there last year and I was with Iain Thornley at Wigan in my first year there.

"My goals for 2026 are to show what I can do and chase consistency. I want to prove that I can lead a forward pack week-to-week and really add to a team.

"I want us to be as good as possible and win as many games as we can."

Makin made his Warriors Super League debut from the bench in a 30-10 win over Huddersfield Giants at the Brick Community Stadium earlier this year.

Oldham director of rugby Mike Ford – who started his own playing career at Wigan four decades ago – said: "Harvey is a hugely talented young player who comes with great recommendation from Matty Peet and John Duffy at Wigan.

"He is a real solid character who comes from good stock at Wigan. His main attribute is performing to the best of his ability in every single game. Our fans are going to love him."

Oldham are aiming to make their mark on the Championship in 2026.

"We need to start well, start winning game and get that step further,” said prop Jack Oromondroyd.

"This is a tough league, and I have played in the Championship before. We have lost Bradford, York and Toulouse, but London have signed really well and there are loads of strong teams now. We are looking forward to the challenge."