Roughyeds hoping for Coyle all-clear
Reporter: Roughyeds MATTHEW CHAMBERS
Date published: 21 July 2009
TONY BENSON is confident that Thomas Coyle will avoid a suspension following his red card against Keighley.
The 21-year-old half-back or hooker was dismissed in the home defeat at the weekend for what appeared to be a dangerous throw on Cougars scrum-half Danny Jones.
Members of the visitors’ bench appeared incensed by Coyle’s actions. But having seen video footage of the incident since, the Oldham coach believes that Jones landed awkwardly mainly as a result of his own actions.
“I think we were really hard done by,” said Benson, whose team put in a gutsy effort with 12 men before losing 24-22.
“Their player ran towards Thomas, and he then turned and passed just as Thomas tackled him on the back of the knees.
“The momentum he carried into the tackle meant that as Thomas stood back up, their player fell over his back.
“I would go as far as to say it was the player’s own fault, though I am not suggesting he was looking for a penalty or anything. But it was harsh on us, as it cost us the game.”
The RFL will study the incident on Thursday before deciding whether to charge Coyle. Should that happen, he will appear before the disciplinary panel a week today.
It is a similar story regarding reserves scrum-half Chris Hough, who was sent off for a high shot against the Cougars’ second string last week.
With Oldham currently in the midst of an injury crisis which resulted in several players turning out against Keighley not fully fit, Craig Littler may be recalled from his loan spell at Swinton when his initial month expires on Saturday.
Ahead of a game away at leaders Dewsbury Rams on Sunday, Benson is currently without any available centres with Marcus St Hilaire injured, Danny Halliwell suspended and Paul Reilly filling in at full-back for the injured Paul O’Connor, so Littler’s return would be timely.
Prop forward Luke Menzies is set for a scan on Thursday on an ankle problem which is also causing pain further up his leg when running.
Oldham’s reserves play Dewsbury at Sedgley Park on Saturday (1pm kick off).
