Roughyeds trio face fitness test

OLDHAM have three injury worries ahead of the Carnegie Challenge Cup third round tie against amateurs Sharlston Rovers.

Marcus St Hilaire slipped at training last night and injured his hip, Paul Reilly is still feeling the effects of a dead leg picked up at Hunslet last week and Phil Joseph has a slight knee problem.

A back-line reshuffle could be on the cards. Craig Littler could get a run in one of the centre positions, with Danny Halliwell the likeliest starter on the opposite side of the field, while at hooker Simeon Hoyle could make his first competitive appearance of the season.
Final checks will be made on the injured parties at tomorrow morning’s training session prior to the Boundary Park clash on Sunday (3pm).

Stevie Gibbons – who went for a scan on his injured shoulder this morning – and Craig Robinson (elbow) will miss out but Lee Greenwood could return on the wing after missing a week with a facial injury which required stitches, along with Wayne Kerr, who was suffering from a heavy cold last week.

“Sharlston are unbeaten this season and are a strong side who will bring a big game here,” said Benson, who watched the Pennine League premier division side in action last week.

“We have to show them the respect that they deserve. Challenge Cup games are very exciting and it is the start of a journey that could lead to Wembley, though that is more realistic for some teams than others.

“To be part of such a competition brings out the best in players.”

Oldham (from): O’Connor, Ballard, Reilly, St Hilaire, Onyango, J Coyle, T Coyle, Mervill, Joseph, I’Anson, Allen, Goulden, Roberts, Menzies, Highton, Sykes, Halliwell. Greenwood, Kerr, Hoyle, Roden, Sutton, Baines, Boults.

Admission prices have been cut to £10 (£5 concessions).