More options for Rams encounter

LUCAS ONYANGO: Back in contention.

ROUGHYEDS coach Tony Benson expects to have Tommy Goulden and Paul Highton back in his plans for this weekend’s home match against unbeaten Dewsbury Rams following injury — but captain Robert Roberts is facing an extended period on the sidelines.

Goulden (hamstring) and Highton (wrist) resume training with the rest of the squad tonight and could both play against the Rams, with coach Benson admitting both men could, “at a push”, have turned out against Rochdale at Spotland on Good Friday.

Lucas Onyango, who missed the Hornets game due to his flying home to Kenya for a family bereavement, is back in the country and will also come into the reckoning.

However, Roberts is still unable to take part in contact training due to a rib injury picked up last month and may be sent for an x-ray or scan to get to the root of the problem.

Phil Joseph is also a big doubt for the big Boundary Park clash on Sunday.

The loose forward is suffering from soreness around the hip and groin, as the result of a muscle tear, and his condition will be assessed when the players convene tonight.

Meanwhile, Oldham’s Carnegie Challenge Cup fifth-round tie at Gateshead Thunder will be played on Saturday, May 9 (3pm kick off) at the 25,000 all-seater Darlington Arena, home of Darlington Football Club.

The switch of venue from the Gateshead International Stadium was made necessary because Thunder’s usual home was unavailable over the Challenge Cup weekend.

“A junior athletics meeting is taking place at the Gateshead International Stadium so Thunder had to find an alternative venue,” said Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton.

“We offered them the possibility of a switch to Boundary Park, but that offer was politely refused.

“Gateshead have now been in touch with us to confirm that we’ll be breaking new ground in taking part in the first rugby league game ever to be played at Darlington FC’s stadium.”

Admission prices are fixed at £11 for adults and £5 for concessions, and the game is all-ticket. More details will be announced soon.