Roughyeds set to lose Gibbons

HOOKER Stevie Gibbons: Leaving the Roughyeds to take up a degree course in Leeds.

ROUGHYEDS coach Tony Benson believes he has the talent within his squad to make up for the loss of the hooker Stevie Gibbons.

The former London Skolars player is set to embark on a postgraduate degree course in town planning at Leeds Metropolitan University in September and has taken the decision to leave professional rugby now and return home to Ireland in order to prepare for his studies.

While he only played seven matches for Oldham due to a shoulder injury sustained on debut at Widnes in February, Gibbons has been involved in every game when fit and impressed with his sharpness around the ruck and good distribution.

“It is a blow but it wasn’t unexpected,” said Benson, who knows Gibbons well from their time working together in the Ireland international set-up and at Skolars.

“We have good players here who can replace him and it is just a case of getting them up to speed.

“The good thing is that as far as hookers go Phil Joseph is back fit now and the same is true of Gary Sykes.

“Good luck to Stevie in his studies and we all wish him well.”

Benson confirmed he isn’t seeking a replacement for Gibbons at this stage. He is the third hooker to depart the scene this season, following the loss of Dave McKay for personal reasons and Simeon Hoyle due to work commitments.

Robert Roberts, meanwhile, avoided suspension at an RFL disciplinary hearing last night.

It has emerged that the Oldham captain was cited by Gateshead for an alleged use of the elbow in the Challenge Cup fifth round tie between the sides two weeks ago and he was subsequently charged with a Grade B offence, which entails up to a two-game ban.

Roberts always protested his innocence and he is now free to play against Swinton this weekend.


OLDHAM’S second string are in action tonight, taking on Dewsbury away from home (7.30pm kick off) looking to pick up a first win of the season in the Reserve Team First Division.

First team men Wayne Kerr, Luke Sutton and Gary Sykes are set to be involved.