Littler makes move to Lions

CRAIG LITTLER has joined Swinton Lions on a month’s loan after failing to hold down a regular starting place with the Roughyeds.

The former St Helens centre has joined Paul Kidd’s Championship One side just as a deal to keep Matty Ashe at Oldham was extended.

Littler has started only two competitive games for the Roughyeds in 2009 — against Sharlston Rovers and Lezignan in the Carnegie Challenge Cup — while he also featured in the first pre-season friendly at home to the Huddersfield Giants.

Oldham chief executive Chris Hamilton said: “Craig is looking to play first-team rugby and this is a good opportunity for him.”

The Roughyeds were keen to retain Ashe following an impressive string of performances for John Hough’s reserve side. The Swinton half-back had formed an effective partnership with Chris Hough.

Ashe, who played under first-team coach Tony Benson with the Junior Kiwis, completed his initial month-long loan after last Saturday’s game at Whitehaven.

Oldham had made it known they wanted keep the 23-year-old for longer and Mr Hamilton will meet Swinton chief Kidd today to sort out the new agreement.

Meanwhile, captain Robert Roberts will probably need an operation to fix his knee injury.

The loose forward has a complete tear of his medial ligament and, although it was first hoped he could play on until the end of the season and then go under the knife, that now looks increasingly unlikely.

Mr Hamilton said: “The situation seems to change day-by-day, but it’s 99-per-cent certain that Robert will require an operation straight away.

“He will see a specialist tonight, but it doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be ruled out for the rest of the season.”

Luke Menzies is also facing a spell on the sidelines after injuring an ankle. The prop forward is expected to be out for three weeks.


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