Spencer sets Bulls return target

JACK SPENCER . . . the Oldham forward suffered a broken hand at the start of last month

JACK Spencer, who has missed Oldham's last five games with a broken hand, has circled the clash with Bradford Bulls at Bower Fold tomorrow week for his return to action.

The front-row forward was injured in the 16-14 home win against Featherstone Rovers on May 1 ­- the last time Scott Naylor's men picked up winning pay.

He has missed defeats by Warrington Wolves in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup and by Leigh Centurions, Halifax, Swinton Lions and Batley Bulldogs in the Championship.

POINT

Roughyeds battled to overcome a long injury list during the whole of May, but they were worth at least a point in a 12-6 loss at Halifax and they are still beating themselves up for going down 25-24 to Swinton Lions after holding a commanding 20-0 lead at half-time.

Said Spencer: "If I'm not cleared to play at Dewsbury Rams on Sunday, I should certainly be available for the rearranged Bradford game at Bower Fold next Wednesday.

"That's the game I'm realistically aiming for.

"My hand isn't painful any more, but it still feels a bit stiff.

"I've been able to do a lot of the training during the last few weeks, including weights, and I'm definitely getting close to receiving the all clear."

He will be checked out at training tonight along with Danny Grimshaw (groin), Richard Lepori (shoulder), Will Hope (ankle) and Craig Briscoe (knee).

Of those, Grimshaw and Hope have the best chance of playing at Dewsbury on Sunday (3pm kick-off) against a Rams side that, like Batley last Sunday, will be keen to avenge a shock 38-16 defeat at Bower Fold in February.

While Roughyeds were losing at the Fox's Biscuits Stadium, the Rams were getting their season back on track after a lean spell with a 16-14 win against Bradford Bulls at the Provident Stadium.

They might be without back-row forward Joel Farrell against Oldham because he faces a possible suspension of up to three weeks at this week's RFL disciplinary committee.

He is alleged to have used his knees in a tackle near the end of the Rams' Summer Bash defeat by Batley.

He has subsequently been issued with a grade 'C' charge.