Two sidelined for Hemel test

Brett Robinson: fitness test

There is good news and bad news for Oldham RL as Roughyeds head to Hertfordshire for Sunday’s clash with Hemel Stags.

Sam Gee (collar bone), Dale Bloomfield (thumb) and Josh Crowley (shin) all trained normally last night and are available for selection. But there are new concerns for Alex Davidson and Brett Robinson.

Davidson is unlikely to make it, but Robinson will be given a final fitness test at training tomorrow.

“I’ve got options, and that’s how I like it,” said coach Scott Naylor. “We are playing okay, but this is going to be one tough game. They drew 20-20 at Whitebank in March and we are mindful that, Hunslet apart, they are the only side that has denied us three points.

“We know what to expect and we are ready. But we will have to be at our best.”

The Stags are a place below Naylor’s men in the table, but are bracing themselves for a tough three weeks with games against York, Hunslet and Oldham.

The Hemel game is the half-way point of the Roughyeds’ season. A win will give them their fifth in a row, and nine wins from10 games.

A way this weekend will put them in second place - or even top place if York slip against Gloucester.

Oldham’s aim is a top-two finish - the easiest, most direct route to the play-off final.


NEIL Roden will pick from 18, including first-team players Ben Wood and Paddy Mooney, when his under-20s take on the RAF at Whitebank tomorrow, kick-off 2.30pm.


ADAM Files has seen a consultant about his damaged knee. The club will know more when they get the specialist’s report in a couple of weeks, but there are fears the young hooker will be out for a long period.