Seru launches comeback bid

BEN SERU is on the comeback trail for Oldham.

The 31-year-old winger has been absent through injury for a year since being forced under the knife for a full knee reconstruction — after playing in his very first game for the Roughyeds.

The Fijian flyer, who sprung to Oldham’s attention when in opposition for the Army during last season’s Challenge Cup and subsequently signed a two-year contract, made a surprise debut in the high-profile quarter-final away at Super League side Wakefield Wildcats.

After impressing at Belle Vue initially with his pace and power, the unlucky Seru suffered a bad knee injury in the early stages which, though not initially thought to be too serious, ultimately required extensive surgery.

Now, though, he is primed to return to the squad to increase options available to coach Tony Benson.

“Ben got in contact with us last week and came along to watch us play against Gateshead,” explained Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton.

“He is running again now, mainly in straight lines, but will start ‘stepping’ in the next few days.

“Ben is a very determined character and we know he has a lot of ability. It was a big blow to us as well as to him when his injury struck.

“He is now itching to get back involved and we are probably now looking at him being up to full fitness in around five to six weeks.”

The Oldham squad trains tonight ahead of the home Co-operative Championship One league game against Hunslet Hawks at Boundary Park on Sunday (3pm kick off).

Marcus St Hilaire (hamstring) is the only injury concern to emerge from the weekend’s defeat to Gateshead.