Palfrey touch and go for League Cup opener

Date published: 26 February 2015


LEWIS Palfrey is touch and go for Oldham’s first game of the season at Whitebank on Sunday.

The Roughyeds’ half-back and captain had a hernia operation six weeks ago but had his sights set on this weekend’s first-round League One cup-tie against third-tier new boys Coventry Bears (3pm).

He will be assessed at tonight’s training session and may be given until Saturday before a final decision.

“His rehab has been going well, but his prospects for Sunday are in the balance,” said coach Scott Naylor.

“We’ll be monitoring him closely, but if he isn’t available for selection this week he should certainly be right for the following Sunday’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup third-round tie, which is also against Coventry at Whitebank.”

Danny Langtree is also doubtful for the game, but Liam Thompson, who tweaked a shoulder in the pre-season run-out at Leigh, is expected to be fit.

No such luck for young forward Richard Joy, whose fractured eye socket will keep him out for a few more weeks.

Club chairman Chris Hamilton, meanwhile, has given an upbeat message to fans on the eve of the new season. He can be heard on BBC Radio Manchester’s ‘Rugby League Extra’ programme tonight (6pm), looking ahead to the new season.

The Roughyeds’ chief: “Since last season’s Grand Final, when we all suffered bitter disappointment once again, we have worked extremely hard to tie the coaching staff to long-term deals; to put a new backroom team in place; to build a new squad and to form our links with Huddersfield Giants.

“Lots of things have been happening and hopefully we will be strong enough to have a successful season.”