Oldham seeking fitness boost

DAVE HEWITT

IT'S the start of a big week of preparation for Oldham RL.

Minds will be focused on Sunday's test against Sheffield Eagles - the first of seven Kingstone Press Championship Shield fixtures that will determine if the Roughyeds can stave off relegation.

Oldham coach Scott Naylor has had to deal with a shocking injury pile-up of senior players, but with a week's rest behind them, he will be hoping for some positive news when the players meet up tomorrow.

Matt Wilkinson (ankle), Dave Hewitt (leg) and Luke Adamson (AC joint, shoulder) will be working towards returning to fitness after picking up knocks at the end of the regular season.

The return to training will also see teenage full-back Luke Hooley, who joined the club on loan until the end of the season from Wakefield Trinity, start to get to know his team-mates.

Naylor and Co. are keeping their fingers crossed that Adam Neal will be fit and firing for some of the Shield matches.

The prop, who saw a consultant last Friday, suffered a broken jaw against Toulouse on July 2.

Hamilton explained: "We're just waiting to hear when Adam can step up his recovery.

"There is only so much he can do - he's been restricted to the bike in the gym so far - as he can't put too much stress on his facial muscles."

Full-back Richard Lepori has seen a consultant with regard to his ankle operation and captain Gareth Owen has (foot) visited the fracture clinic. Both players are out for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, Oldham should discover today their remaining fixtures in the Shield competition. Apart from Sheffield, they are also due to play Swinton, Bradford, Rochdale, Batley, Toulouse and Dewsbury.