Roughyeds raring to go

PRE-SEASON preparations begin in earnest for Oldham Roughyeds next week, as new coach Tony Benson details his plans for the coming season.

All the players, including the six new recruits, will be present as the former Leigh and London Skolars boss hosts a meeting with the entire squad on Monday night.

“It is the first chance for Tony to formally introduce himself to the players,” said Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton, who will also be speaking at the gathering along with chairman Bill Quinn.

“He hasn’t yet had the chance to meet them all, though he has spoken to them on the phone, and they will be told what the expectations are of them for the season.

“This is probably the earliest we have been back in pre-season, but Tony was keen to get done everything he feels needs to be done and it is fair to say that the lads are raring to go as well.”

Training in the gym will begin the following evening and the squad will be in four times a week between that date and Christmas, when they will be given a short break.

No pre-season friendlies have yet had their dates fixed, though one of those games will definitely be against reigning Super League champions Leeds Rhinos.




ROUGHYEDS fans can hear Tony Benson talk about his new role when he appears on BBC Radio Manchester’s Rugby League Hour from 7pm tonight.