Mervill faces fitness check

UP to eight Roughyeds players are set for their first chance to impress coach Tony Benson.

Seven — Andy Ballard, Robert Roberts, Tommy Goulden, Marcus St Hilaire, Simeon Hoyle, Chris Baines and Wayne Kerr — will play in the friendly at Leigh on Sunday, barring any mishaps between now and then.

Richard Mervill is the one doubt among the senior squad members who sat out the Huddersfield friendly and a fitness test on his knee will decide whether he can take part or not, while fellow prop forward Paul Highton isn’t yet ready for action.

“Paul needs to be clear in his own mind that his wrist is up to playing after a big operation on it, though he is doing well in contact in training,” said Benson, who will name his squad on Friday.

“With Richard, the longer we leave it the better it will be — even though really, it is fine now. There is no rush and he could have played last week, to be honest.”

Last night’s outdoor training session had to be called off due to snow and ice, with club officials unable to find any suitable alternative surfaces, so the players took to the gym.


REFEREE Ashley Klein has quit Super League and joined the NRL in Australia.

The 29-year-old, one of six full-time RFL officials, has been released with immediate effect to rejoin his wife and two children, who set up home in Australia after attending the World Cup.

Another official is now set to be promoted to take the place of Klein.