Roberts over pain barrier

ON THE CHARGE: Robert Roberts (with ball) goes forward for Oldham.

ROBERT Roberts admits that training isn't a particularly comfortable experience at the moment.

Last year's Roughyeds skipper has managed to put his back injury problems behind him, thanks to an epidural injection which has helped calm the bulging discs which were causing such pain after training and matchdays.

However, placed within the strongest set of players the club has assembled for many a year, the 29-year-old is having to push himself as hard as ever simply to keep pace with his peers.

"We have got 28 in the squad now, plus the five reserves lads, who have really impressed everyone," said Roberts.

"The way training is going, nobody can afford to be left behind. It has been pretty intense.

"Everyone has gelled really well and the lads have been mingling together, rather than splitting into a Wigan group and a Leeds group and so on.

"We have had a good craic, but the work we have done has been good.

“It has been almost like we are in the season — a couple of bad training sessions and you are busy looking over your shoulder."

Along with fellow Roughyeds men Gary Sykes, Danny Halliwell and Lee Greenwood, Roberts worked under coach Tony Benson while he was in charge at Leigh, helping win the Northern Rail Cup in the 2006 season.

He believes that the "very methodical" Benson has the credentials to succeed in gaining promotion for Oldham, also boosted by a squad which is now packed with what was so badly needed last year: reinforcements in the prop forwards.

One of those front row men is currently missing, with fiery Wayne Kerr still in Australia having been given extra time off following his World Cup adventure with Ireland.

"I have played against Wayne once last year and he is the kind of player who, if you run straight into him, will put you in a lot of trouble," said Roberts.

"I can see him being in a similar role to Said (Tamghart, now with Halifax) — if he misses a couple you don't mind, as when he hits he makes it really count.

"We are up to seven props now, all with different skills and there is a mix of youth and experience there.

"Luke Sutton is looking impressive and he will do well with a good pre-season behind him, then you have got Highto (Paul Highton) to put his arm round the young bucks.

"We have also got some real aggression in Jamie I'Anson, who you wouldn't think was as young as he is (at 21). He is very powerful."

Benson has yet to decide on whether Roberts will once again take up the captain's armband in 2009, but the former Huddersfield man isn't sweating it too much.

"Obviously it is something I would relish doing, but it is down to Tony," he added.

"At the end of the day I will just keep training well, try to help everyone along and lead by example.

"Hopefully I'll get the nod and if I get it, it would be nice. But if not, I'll give 100-per-cent as usual."