O’Connor out of Roughyeds tie

Paul O’Connor: Left out of the Roughyeds side.

PAUL REILLY replaces Paul O’Connor at full-back in the Roughyeds side to face Featherstone tonight, with coach Tony Benson describing his team selection for the game as “the toughest thing ever”.

O’Connor, the club’s player of the year in 2008, has turned out in every game so far under Benson this season.

But the big-hearted former Widnes Vikings man will be absent for the quarter-final clash at Leigh Sports Village (7.30pm kick off), as the Roughyeds coach opts to take advantage of 33-year-old Reilly’s know-how in the full-back slot.

“This really is a game for experience,” said Benson. “To win we are going to have to stick to a pretty strict game plan and the squad that has been selected reflects that.

“We are giving Paul Reilly a go at full-back as that is his real position. He has been doing well in the centres, especially against Swinton, but he knows that position well.

“It was tough picking the side, as all the players matter so much. If you look at the likes of Paul O’Connor, Lucas Onyango and the front rowers who aren’t playing, they would have made any other team.

“It is a case of selecting a squad that is ready for the game and it isn’t about individuals. Some players offer things others do not and we have to take advantage of that.”

Returning to Benson’s 18-man squad for tonight’s televised clash are prop Richard Mervill, absent due to work commitments for the 44-26 win at Swinton, hooker Gary Sykes and Danny Halliwell, who is set to slot in at centre for former Huddersfield legend Reilly.

Thomas Coyle (ankle) is the only absentee through injury, with Dave Allen (calf) coming through last night’s training session unscathed.

Meanwhile, Championship club Doncaster have applied to go into administration. They defeated Oldham in last season’s play-off final to gain promotion from National League Two, but financial problems have continually dogged the team from South Yorkshire.

Oldham (from): O’Connor, Ballard, Halliwell, St Hilaire, Greenwood, Roden, J Coyle, Mervill, Sykes, Boults, Allen, Baines, Roberts, Goulden, Highton, Robinson, Joseph, I’Anson.