Deakin happy with options for run-in

OLDHAM have options aplenty now that Luke Menzies has signed until the end of the regular season, according to coach Steve Deakin.

The 20-year-old prop forward, who signed up for a second monthly spell on loan from Hull KR late last week, had a big impact in the 30-28 win over Keighley and almost claimed a second half try after a strong run from deep.

The former Batley man’s presence also helped hand Matty Brooks another chance to show that he can handle a close-to 80-minute performance at hooker, opening up new possibilities on the replacements’ bench.

With Oldham close to the National League Two salary cap, Menzies may be the last signing the club makes prior to the deadline on Friday, August 8.

“Particularly in Luke’s second spell, it showed how much we had needed another running forward,” said Deakin, who will take a close look at promotion rivals Doncaster when they take on Rochdale at Spotland tonight.

“Without him, we would have had (replacement hooker) Simeon Hoyle on the bench. That would have meant moving things round and we would have lost the impact of a go-forward player.

“One of the things Matty Brooks has shown recently is his ability to go close to 80 minutes as a hooker and the need for another on the bench has eroded a little.

“It wasn’t just Luke Menzies, though. Said Tamghart improved on his previous performance against Doncaster where he only did around 20 minutes and was a bit ginger with his knee and was more like the player he was before he got the injury.”

Regarding possible signings, Deakin admits that the cap makes things tough in terms of bringing in real quality for the run-up to the regular season’s end.

“When we get Neil Roden, Simeon Hoyle and Jason Boults back we are back up to 22 players,” he added.

“And we don’t want to bring anybody in unless they are going straight into the first team.

“To do that we would have to get someone off the salary cap and to bring in somebody who is strong enough to go straight into the side would mean a big financial outlay.

“We have moved a few players off the cap in Simon Baldwin, Warren Stevens and Lee Wingfield. But we have also signed a full-time player from Hull KR in Luke Menzies and there is not a lot of leeway.”