Oldham’s shock at Tamghart trial

OLDHAM Roughyeds officials have admitted they were astonished to learn that Mohamed Tamghart, the brother of powerful prop forward Said, has been taken on trial by Leeds Rhinos.

The 21-year-old second row or centre is one of four France-based players to have joined up with the Super League champions, with one place in the club’s 25-man squad up for grabs.

In addition to Tamghart, the others are Limoux centre Mathieu Mayans, Carcassone half-back Amar Sabri and and Villeneuve’s Tongan prop Lamelangi Unaloto. All four could feature in the club’s Boxing Day friendly against Wakefield.

Tamghart turned out for the Roughyeds reserves side last season but Oldham’s interest in the player disappeared following a shocking incident in a second-team game at Barrow.

The Carcassone man became embroiled in a large-scale brawl, receiving an eight-match ban now served in France and a thorough admonishment from the RFL’s disciplinary panel for his actions which were described as “persistent as well as cowardly” in committee’s published report of the incident.

Roughyeds reserve team coach John Hough represented Tamghart at the hearing and apologised for his behaviour on behalf of the club, making it clear the player would never turn out for Oldham again.

Calls are believed to have been made to the Leeds club on behalf of Oldham regarding Tamghart, but the West Yorkshire outfit are thought to still be keen to see the player in action.

Meanwhile, Roughyeds prop forward Richard Mervill hurt his knee while taking part in a wrestling exercise this week but has been able to continue training nonetheless.

Jason Boults is still waiting on a specialist report on his injured knee to arrive, but is able to train as normal with the rest of the squad.