Green light for captain Roberts

Rob Roberts

ALL systems are go for Oldham as they prepare for the visit of Rochdale, with the club getting positive news that Rob Roberts will not face an RFL charge.

The captain (pictured above) was placed on report by referee Ben Thaler in the 32-20 home defeat to Doncaster, for an alleged strike with a forearm or elbow six minutes from time.

After examining the incident, though, the RFL’s disciplinary panel has decided that no further action is warranted due to uncertainty over “point of contact and intent”, meaning he is free to lead the team out against the Hornets.

“It is good news, but he was always confident that there was nothing in it,” said chief executive Chris Hamilton.

Meanwhile, no new injury problems have presented themselves as coach Steve Deakin continued to prepare his team with a training session last night.

Ian Hodson (elbow) is still a major doubt but Tommy Goulden, who was troubled by his injured foot on his return to action against Doncaster, should be fit enough to be up for selection this weekend for the final eliminator against his former team.

Club officials are awaiting the results of a scan on Gareth Langley’s injured shoulder and they will be chasing up the issue today.

The official in charge of the weekend’s game will once again be Super League referee Mr Thaler.

The winners of the derby clash, which kicks off at 3pm on Sunday at Boundary Park, will meet Doncaster in the National League Two grand final a week later at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium.

More Roughyeds news on Page 34.

CATALANS Dragons have suffered a blow ahead of Saturday’s engage Super League play-off semi-final against Wigan with the loss of loose forward Gregory Mounis.

The 23-year-old, who has missed only one match all season, has been handed a one-match ban after being found guilty of striking an opponent with his elbow during the Dragons’ 46-8 win over Warrington in their opening play-off tie.