Upset at Coyle omission

ROUGHYEDS coach Steve Deakin is mystified at the exclusion of James Coyle from Ireland’s World Cup squad.

The scrum-half, who took his season’s try tally to 20 during yesterday’s defeat at York, was omitted from coach Andy Kelly’s initial 40-strong group despite a series of strong performances for Oldham in National League Two this season.

His chances of making the trip to Australia aren’t yet over, with Ireland — who have named Oldham-born stand-off Chris Bridge despite his being out with a long-term Achilles injury — keen to add another pivot to their ranks before the squad is trimmed to 24 players.

But Deakin, who has already spoken to Ireland assistant coach Barrie McDermott about Coyle, couldn’t hide his dissatisfaction.

“It is very disappointing for the player and for the whole system,” said Deakin.

“He is a 21-year-old kid who has had a great season for us.”

Former Roughyeds men Ged Corcoran, Gavin Dodd and Lee Doran have all been included by coach Andy Kelly, along with Wigan’s young Oldhamer prop Eamon O’Carroll.

With France omitting Said Tamghart from their own 40-strong party, it leaves Scotland’s Mick Nanyn as the only Oldham player likely to be involved in the World Cup.

Meanwhile, checks will be made tonight on the fitness of Danny Halliwell and Matty Brooks as the squad convenes for a rehab session.

Halliwell retired in pain midway through the first half at York after taking a blow to the ribs, with Brooks coming off at a similar stage due to a knock to his calf muscle.

Both men are rated as severe doubts for Wednesday evening’s game at Doncaster, in which the Roughyeds will aim to bounce back from a 40-24 defeat.

The chances of Rob Roberts returning — sickness on the eve of the game meant he couldn’t travel to the Huntington Stadium — will be revealed at an RFL disciplinary hearing tomorrow night, following the captain’s recent red card against Keighley for allegedly throwing a punch at Jamaine Wray.