Roughyeds suffer Thompson injury KO

Old and new: skipper Lewis Palfrey (left) shows off the Oldham RL kit for this season — and Michael Ward shows off the more familiar shirt of past Oldham sides

Oldham RL club’s loose-forward Liam Thompson will be sidelined for weeks with injuries received in a clash of heads with team-mate Kenny Hughes.

The incident, during the first home game of the season against Hemel Stags, has left Thompson (22) with three fractures around an eye socket and upper cheekbone

Thompson returns to hospital tomorrow to determine whether he will need an operation.

The setback comes days after coach Scott Naylor learned centre David Cookson will be out for weeks with groin trouble.

The losses leave coach Scott Naylor juggling players in Kingstone Press Championship One games and the Tetley Challenge Cup. Roughyeds play Cumbrian amateurs Egremont Rangers in round three on Saturday for a fourth round place a fortnight later. Sandwiched between is a tough trip to London Skolars on March 23.

Though two players are out, Naylor will be able to call on a handful of others who have still to play this season. Back-row forward Mark Hobson, winger Mo Agoro and prop Phil Joy are all itching to make their mark, as are Salford youngsters George Tyson and new recruit Edwin Okanga-Ajwang.

Currently running with Sam Gee and Ben Wood at centre, neither of whom are specialists in that area, the Oldham boss says a centre shortage throughout the sport is a concern.

Versatile vice-captain Gee has stepped into the breach, though most of his rugby in recent years has been at hooker, half-back or loose-forward.