Lengthy absence for Tyson

George Tyson

GEORGE Tyson has been banned for four games for throwing punches after the final hooter in Oldham's Law Cup defeat by Rochdale Hornets.

He will miss the Kingstone Press Championship matches against Sheffield Eagles at Bower Fold on Sunday (3pm kick off), then Featherstone Rovers (away), London Broncos (home) and Hull KR (away).

It could hardly be a tougher first month for Scott Naylor's men, given that Hull KR and London Broncos are widely tipped to dominate the competition.

Though Tyson's ban will be regarded as a blow to Oldham's chances of picking up points in February, it will be lessened by the arrival of on-loan backs Keiran Gill (21) and Tuoyo Egodo (19) from Castleford Tigers.

They trained with the Roughyeds squad last night (while Tyson and club chairman Chris Hamilton were out of town on disciplinary business) and will be strongly tipped to survive the cut when Naylor names his 17 for the Championship opener.

Several players are still in doubt because of injury but there are high hopes that Danny Grimshaw, Danny Langtree, Jamel Chisholm, Scott Turner and Adam Clay will be ready in time.

Nathan Chappell (knee) didn't train last night and won't be in contention.

"George knows now that he will have to learn - and learn quickly," said Hamilton.