Jamie to soldier on despite injury

OLDHAM have finally got to the bottom of Jamie l’Anson’s problem with his big toe — it’s broken.

The former Celtic Crusaders prop forward has been in discomfort for more than a month.
He has been given regular injections and played in Oldham’s 36-18 win over Blackpool Panthers.

But a visit to a specialist has uncovered a break and, although he might need another injection, he will be okay for Sunday’s visit to Keighley Cougars in their second game of The Co-operative Championship One season.

“We had no idea,” said Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton. “He has carried the injury for four or five weeks, but at least we now know what it is.

“It’s starting to heal up and it shouldn’t stop him from playing.”

Thomas Coyle has also had problems with his feet and will have special insoles in his boots after complaining of soreness.

Stevie Gibbons is continuing his recovery from a shoulder injury, which he sustained in the impressive win over Widnes Vikings in the Northern Rail Cup last month.

It was first feared that the Ireland international would need an operation, but a scan proved otherwise.

Although the 25-year-old has resumed full training, Oldham are reluctant to throw him back in to the first-team squad until he has a reserve game under his belt.

Sale Sharks have confirmed the signing of England RU World Cup winner Ben Cohen.

The former Northampton wing will move to Edgeley Park on a two–year deal from French club Brive.

Cohen (30) has spent the last two years with Brive, where his team–mates include fellow England internationals Steve Thompson and Andy Goode.

Cohen has won 57 caps, scoring 31 tries, with only Rory Underwood having claimed more touchdowns for England. Cohen’s last Test match appearance was against South Africa at Twickenham in 2006.