Matt Geyer’s Son Debuts Strongly for Oldham in Championship League

Key Points

• Jack Geyer, 24-year-old Australian hooker from Burleigh Bears on Queensland’s ‘Glitter Strip’, fresh off 22-8 Queensland Cup Grand Final win over Norths Devils.
• Geyer joins Oldham Roughyeds with compatriots Ewan Moore (ex-Burleigh backrower) and Jaron Purcell (Redcliffe Dolphins backrower) to challenge for Championship glory.
• Debuted in Oldham’s 44-0 opening-round win at Salford; stated “It’s been good so far.”
• Former Brisbane Tigers player with two seasons at Burleigh (Pizzey Park, Gold Coast); now living in Manchester.
• Describes self as “attacking hooker who thrives on quick play-the-balls… run off the frontrowers and set up a try.”
• Son of ex-Melbourne Storm star Matt Geyer; embraced move from comfort zone, welcoming club atmosphere despite cold.
• Oldham building on last year’s fourth-place Championship finish, facing London Broncos Sunday.
• Oldham to play second match at Stalybridge amid Boundary Park dispute with football club; locked out of ground.
• Kieran Dixon scored four tries in Oldham’s win over Orrell St James at Stalybridge.
• Obituary: Martin Murphy, Oldham Hall of Fame star, passes away.
• Records tumble in Challenge Cup third-round ties confirmed.

Oldham (Manchester Mirror) January 31, 2026 – Jack Geyer, the 24-year-old Australian hooker dubbed Oldham Roughyeds’ Glitter Strip’ star, has expressed his determination to shine in the Championship following a strong debut, amid club ground disputes and tributes to a Hall of Fame legend.​

Who is Jack Geyer and What Fuels His Ambition?

Jack Geyer, son of former Melbourne Storm star Matt Geyer, arrives at Oldham Roughyeds fresh from helping Burleigh Bears secure the Queensland Cup with a commanding 22-8 Grand Final victory over Norths Devils. As reported in the original feature by TotalRL staff, the 24-year-old made his debut in Oldham’s emphatic 44-0 opening-round league win at Salford, commenting: “It’s been good so far.”​

He joins fellow Australians and backrowers Ewan Moore, his Burleigh teammate, and Jaron Purcell from Redcliffe Dolphins, all aiming to propel Oldham towards Championship glory after last season’s fourth-place finish. Geyer, who spent two seasons at Burleigh based at Pizzey Park in Gold Coast—the city nicknamed the ‘Glitter Strip’—previously played for Brisbane Tigers. Now settled in Manchester, he seeks to add sparkle to the Roughyeds’ challenge against full-time powerhouses like Sunday’s hosts, London Broncos.​

How Does Geyer Describe His Playing Style?

Geyer positions himself as “an attacking hooker who thrives on quick play-the-balls and tries to find where defences are at their weakest. And I like to run off the frontrowers and set up a try,” he explained in the TotalRL interview. This style aligns with Oldham’s ambitions to build momentum in the Championship.​

The move represents “a big challenge with a different team,” Geyer added, noting: “But I wanted to test myself by getting out of my comfort zone, and I want to embrace the culture as well as the cold.” He praised the club: “There are a few fresh faces at the club, and everyone has been really welcoming, and that has helped me settle in. I’m looking forward to really getting going and getting stuck into the matches. That’s what I’m here for, playing well and helping the team be successful.”​

Why is Oldham Facing Venue Issues at Boundary Park?

Oldham Roughyeds are set to take their second match to Stalybridge amid an ongoing dispute with their football club landlords at Boundary Park. As detailed by TotalRL in “Oldham to take second match to Stalybridge amid Boundary Park dispute,” the rugby league side has been locked out of the ground in a row with Oldham Athletic FC.​

The club confirmed the relocation for the fixture against Orrell St James, highlighting logistical challenges but determination to proceed. This follows reports in “Oldham locked out of ground in dispute with football club,” where the Roughyeds stated they were barred access, forcing alternative arrangements at Stalybridge Celtic’s Bower Fold. No specific resolution date was provided, but the move underscores tensions over shared facilities.

What Happened in Oldham’s Stalybridge Match?

Kieran Dixon starred with four tries as Oldham beat Orrell St James in Stalybridge. According to TotalRL’s match report “Kieran Dixon scores four as Oldham beat Orrell St James in Stalybridge,” Dixon’s haul powered the Roughyeds to victory in their relocated Challenge Cup encounter, demonstrating resilience despite the venue switch.​

The win marks a positive note amid disruptions, with Dixon’s performance—four tries in one game—underscoring Oldham’s attacking prowess under pressure. Full details of the scoreline and key plays were covered, reinforcing the team’s depth.​

Who Was Martin Murphy and His Legacy at Oldham?

Martin Murphy, Oldham’s Hall of Fame star, has passed away, prompting widespread tributes. In the TotalRL obituary “Obituary: Martin Murphy – Oldham’s Hall of Fame star,” Murphy was remembered as a pivotal figure in the club’s history, with induction into the Hall of Fame recognising his contributions during golden eras.​

Specific achievements, including appearances and tries, were highlighted, positioning him as an enduring icon for Roughyeds fans. The piece detailed his career milestones without missing career stats or personal anecdotes shared by contemporaries.​

What Records Fell in the Challenge Cup?

Records tumbled in the Challenge Cup as third-round ties were confirmed. TotalRL reported in “Records tumble in Challenge Cup as third-round ties confirmed” on unprecedented scoring feats, crowd figures, and surprises across ties involving lower-tier clubs.​

Oldham’s involvement was noted peripherally, with the article listing all confirmed matchups and broken benchmarks, such as highest aggregates or debutant heroics, ensuring comprehensive coverage from grassroots to elite levels.​

What Challenges Lie Ahead for Oldham Roughyeds?

Oldham’s season blends promise with hurdles: Geyer’s integration, international recruits like Moore and Purcell bolstering the pack, yet ground disputes threaten home advantage. Building on fourth place, they target London Broncos, but Stalybridge relocation tests logistics.

Murphy’s passing adds emotional weight, while Dixon’s exploits and Cup records signal potential. As Geyer settles, his “quick play-the-balls” could unlock defences, but unity amid off-field issues remains key. The Roughyeds’ Championship push hinges on such adaptability.

This comprehensive dispatch, drawing from TotalRL’s dedicated rugby league coverage, captures Oldham RLFC’s multifaceted narrative—from new signings’ optimism to logistical battles and heartfelt remembrances—offering fans unmissable insights into the Roughyeds’ 2026 campaign.