Gibbons boost for Roughyeds

OLDHAM have been boosted by the news that hooker Stevie Gibbons does not require an operation and could be back playing in a matter of weeks.

The Ireland international finally received the results of his scan yesterday and the news is that he has not sustained damage to his shoulder other than to the AC joint.

That means no operation is needed and that the 25-year-old can resume full training.

Elsewhere, Marcus St Hilaire (hip) has been ruled out of action for the second week running, but ex-Huddersfield team mate Paul Reilly has recovered from a dead leg to take his place in Tony Benson’s 20-man squad to face Blackpool at Boundary Park on Sunday.

Also involved again are top points scorer Andy Ballard and Paul Highton, both rested last week, plus Phil Joseph who was suffering from a slight knee problem.

Former Oldham winger Gareth Langley could start for Blackpool, along with another ex-Roughyeds man Damian Munro. Jon Hill and Mark McCully are also in contention for the Panthers.

“The first week of the competition is probably the best time to play one of the red hot favourites for the title,” said Blackpool coach Martin Crompton ahead of the Co-operative Championship One opener.

“It’s a true test and will give us an idea of where we are. I’m very impressed by what I’ve seen of Oldham.”

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

The reserves, featuring several first-team squad men, lost 60-4 away in a pre-season friendly at Keighley last night. The sole try scorer for the Roughyeds was Dale Lowe.


THE RFL have confirmed that Oldham’s Co-operative Championship One rivals Rochdale Hornets will begin the season with a nine-point deduction as punishment for entering into administration.