Roughyeds join Walker tribute

A MINUTE’S silence in memory of Leon Walker will be held before Oldham’s home game against Workington this weekend.

The Roughyeds’ tribute to the 20-year-old Wakefield forward, who collapsed and died in a reserve team match against Celtic Crusaders in Maesteg on Sunday, carries a special resonance as he was a player offered to Oldham in the close season.

All this weekend’s games, across every grade and age group, will feature the same gesture.

A full RFL enquiry is underway into the former Salford player’s death, with initial indications pointing towards a broken neck being the cause of the accident.

“It was a tragic event and it is only right that we, along with everyone else in the sport, pay our respects,” said Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton.

The Oldham squad trains again tonight and further checks will be made on the fitness of Stevie Gibbons and Craig Robinson, both of whom are back in full contact training, with a view to them being involved at Boundary Park on Sunday.

Coach Tony Benson will also be closely monitoring the fitness of Dave Allen (bruised hip) and Chris Baines (elbow) with doubts hanging over both men regarding their chances of taking up spots in the second row.

Roughyeds officials are expecting to find out today if the incident placed on report at Keighley on Sunday will result in any disciplinary action.

Thomas Coyle was cited for a late challenge on Cougars kicker Jon Presley, but it is believed that it may have been a case of mistaken identity.