Roughyeds pair are injury doubts

ROUGHYEDS hooking pair Gary Sykes and Stevie Gibbons have emerged as injury doubts ahead of the trip to the capital to face London Skolars this weekend.

Former Leigh man Sykes has a back problem while Gibbons, who turned out for the North London club last season, is experiencing discomfort in his knee.

With Phil Joseph out of contention for an indefinite period — it is still not yet known what is causing him pain around the hip and groin, with a hernia being one possibility — and Simeon Hoyle not around due to work commitments, Oldham coach Tony Benson could be faced with something of a dilemma as to who to slot in at number nine.

Further checks will be made on Sykes and Gibbons at tomorrow night’s training session, at which an 18-man squad to travel to the White Hart Lane Community Sports Centre will be named by coach Benson.

Marcus St Hilaire (hamstring) was unable to run last night and is also doubtful for Saturday’s game, though Paul Reilly’s return to fitness from an ankle problem could see him slot in at centre.

Elsewhere, Neil Kelly, head coach of Co–operative Championship club Leigh, has become the club’s director of rugby.

Former England hooker Paul Rowley is to become first-team coach at the club, currently sixth in the table.

Oldham reserves take on Leigh Centurions at Sedgley Park this Friday (7.30pm kick off).

It is the second string’s second league game of the season, following up the 50-30 home reverse against Hunslet Hawks two weeks ago.