Green light for half-back duo

THE half-back axis of James Coyle and Neil Roden looks likely to stay in place for the Roughyeds’ final Northern Rail Cup pool one game at Hunslet.

The pair, who have operated together in all but eight out of 55 competitive matches since the elder Coyle brother first arrived at the club in July 2007, are set to play at six and seven once again due to injuries which continue to rule out half-back or hooker Stevie Gibbons and Thomas Coyle.

Gibbons’ injury to a shoulder joint sustained in the first half at Widnes is now thought to be more serious than when initially assessed.

The Ireland international half-back or hooker, who gave glimpses of real talent on debut for Oldham, is responding to treatment but will still be missing for a few weeks.

It is a similar story with Thomas Coyle.

The 20-year-old scrum-half picked up an injury to the medial ligaments in a knee as he twisted it after putting through a kick against the Vikings.

Although it isn’t a serious problem, the club are erring on the side of caution.

Chris Baines, who hurt a shoulder in the weekend defeat at home to Sheffield, will have the problem assessed in full at training tonight.

So, too, will Craig Robinson, who suffered a hyper-extension of an elbow in midweek against his old club Rochdale.

Vice-captain Paul Highton was reporting some soreness in his wrist against Sheffield but that is thought to be a consequence of playing in three matches inside 10 days, his first action since an off-season operation. 

THE STANDARD Cup semi-final between Saddleworth Rangers and Oldham St Anne’s takes place at Shaw Hall Bank Road tonight (7.15pm kick off).

The winners will meet Waterhead in the Boundary Park final on the morning of Good Friday, April 10.