Kerr packs in double stint

WAYNE KERR is working at the double to be ready for the start of the season.

The big-hitting Ireland international prop started training with the rest of the Roughyeds squad this week, following a post-World Cup break to recharge his batteries.

And fitness conditioner Martin Roden is overseeing Kerr’s twice-daily workouts as he bids to get himself into contention for a spot in the side come the opening game.

“Wayne has got some work to do,” admitted Roughyeds coach Tony Benson, who brought the former Carlow Crusaders player over to England last year.

“He had a high-intensity season with London Skolars and then spent six weeks away at the World Cup also training hard.

“We actively encouraged him to rest up after that, so now he will be back training full-on again.

“Working with Martin he will be doing two months’ training in one month, training twice a day.

“We are not sure at this stage when he will play. That is up to him and how fit he gets.”

Kerr certainly won’t be on show this weekend and nor will anyone else, following the cancellation of the joint testimonial for John Hough and Wayne English at Sedgley Park.

The friendly encounter between Swinton and Oldham was called off yesterday afternoon as the pitch remained frozen solid with little chance of it becoming playable by Sunday.

An early decision was taken in order to give everyone concerned ample notice.

As yet there is no alternative date set for the fixture and the Roughyeds’ first friendly of the season is set to be the home game against Huddersfield Giants at Boundary Park, to be played on Friday, January 16 (7.45pm kick off).