Roberts named skipper

ROBERT Roberts has reclaimed the Oldham captaincy for the forthcoming season.

The 29-year-old – who doesn’t play against Huddersfield tonight (7.45pm kick off) – was informed of the decision made by coach Tony Benson yesterday, with newcomer Paul Highton in as vice-captain.

The Wales international has led the Roughyeds to two consecutive play-off finals in National League Two and is well regarded in terms of what he brings as an on-field leader.

Highton isn’t quite ready for action yet following his recovery from wrist surgery and also sits out the Boundary Park clash along with other new signings Dave McKay, Andy Ballard and Wayne Kerr, who is currently embarked on an intensive training programme.

Eight new boys are among the 20-man squad, including Mark Smith and Anthony Bingham of last season’s reserves set-up.

Former Giants great Paul Reilly starts at left centre with Lee Greenwood as his wing partner, Thomas Coyle is in at scrum-half and Jamie I’Anson as a starting prop.

Ahead of his first game in charge of the club, Benson pin-pointed a few areas of particular interest.

“Lucas Onyango is back after a long lay-off and has had a very good off-season, so I am looking forward to seeing him,” said the Roughyeds coach.

“Then there is Lee Greenwood, who has really impressed a lot of the boys in training with his pace.

“We will also see how Thomas Coyle combines with his brother James as well as Neil Roden at half-back.”

Oldham: O’Connor; Onyango, Littler, Reilly, Greenwood; Roden, T Coyle; I’Anson, Sykes, Boults, Robinson, Goulden, Joseph. Subs: J Coyle, Smith, Bingham, Allen, Hoyle, Sutton, Menzies.

DUAL ticket discounts for both tonight’s Giants game and the friendly against Leeds Rhinos, on Tuesday, February 17, are on offer up to kick-off at the Boundary Park ticket office.