Reilly to return

PAUL REILLY

ROUGHYEDS coach Tony Benson welcomes back Paul Reilly to the fold for the must-win trip to face one of the form teams in the division.

While champions Dewsbury are still on course to end the Co-operative Championship One season unbeaten – they face Workington at home this weekend, one of three more wins needed to maintain that run – Blackpool have hit a purple patch of their own.

A 48-18 thumping of Hornets RL at Spotland arrived on the back of a narrow loss away to Hunslet, but prior to that Martin Crompton’s side had enjoyed a string of wins over London Skolars, Swinton, Workington and York.

“They have signed some good players and are on a bit of a roll,” said Benson, who also calls up Ben Heaton and Gary Sykes to his provisional 19-man squad for Sunday’s trip (3pm kick off) but is missing Craig Robinson (swine flu).

“ It will be a very tough test for us against a team that is in form, on their home turf too. But we are used to being up against it and are determined to do well.”

Paul Highton (knee) was adjudged to be not quite ready yet for a return to action after training last night, but he could make an appearance in next week’s home match against York.

Benson has the services of Jamie Russo available to him again this weekend and should find out today whether the Australian centre, who has notched up two tries in as many games since arriving from Gateshead, can carry on at Oldham for the remainder of the season.

However, it now appears certain that there will be no more signings before tonight’s deadline.

Oldham (from): Ashe, Baines, Boults, Coyle, Goulden, Greenwood, Heaton, I’Anson, Joseph, Kerr, Littler, Menzies, O’Connor, Onyango, Reilly, M Roden, N Roden, Russo, Sykes.

n WIGAN’S Oldham-born loose forward Mark Flanagan is set for a tilt at the NRL next season. The 21-year-old, son of former Great Britain international Terry, has two offers on the table from first-grade sides in Australia.