Oldham RLFC have pulled off a standout recruitment coup, confirming the signing of experienced Tongan international half-back Ata Hingano on a lucrative three-year contract.

The 29-year-old arrives at Boundary Park following a stellar five-season stint with York Knights, where he made 96 appearances, including 26 outings during their inaugural Super League campaign last year.

Hingano brings immense top-tier pedigree to the Roughyeds, having previously featured in the NRL for both the New Zealand Warriors and Canberra Raiders, alongside representing Tonga on the international stage, including eight appearances and a starring role at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

After sweeping York’s player awards, claiming the 1895 Cup in 2025, and displaying impressive versatility by transitioning to loose-forward last season, Hingano becomes a cornerstone signing for Oldham’s future ambitions.

Alan Kilshaw and Terry Flanagan hail “major coup” for the Roughyeds

England LOSE Rugby League World Cup opener as group-stage exit looms! – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show

Speaking about securing the high-profile signature, Oldham head coach Alan Kilshaw revealed that Hingano turned down more lucrative offers elsewhere to buy into the club’s long-term vision.

“Ata is a talented footballer with a strong kicking and passing game,” Kilshaw said. “His ability to play in a number of positions will give us some good options next season.

Most Read on Serious About Rugby League

“One of the biggest things for me throughout the conversations with Ata was that he wanted to come to Oldham for the right reasons. He had other opportunities available to him which were financially more rewarding, but he bought into what we are trying to build here and wants to be part of it. I think that says a lot about him as a person.”

Oldham Chairman Terry Flanagan MBE echoed the head coach’s excitement, adding: “Signing Ata is a major coup for us.We see him being integral to our team and plans going forward. Our mutual commitment is a sign of the positive momentum we are building.”

Locked in. 🔒

Ata Hingano joins Oldham on a 3-year contract 💥

🗞️ https://t.co/KzDvVHHVTZ https://t.co/ztSI63nik4

— Oldham RLFC (@Roughyeds) October 23, 2026