Nines work-out for fit-again Seru

BEN SERU will make his first high-profile appearance since returning from injury tomorrow night — but not for the Roughyeds.

Instead, the 31-year-old winger is turning out for The Army in the Carnegie Floodlit Nines tournament at Headingley, under the watchful gave of Oldham chief executive Chris Hamilton who will be attending in his capacity as President of the RFL.

Seru, a Fiji-born Royal Engineers sapper, has been in good form for the Roughyeds reserves side since making his long-awaited comeback from a knee reconstruction operation, scoring in consecutive recent appearances for the second string.

Surgery was required after he injured himself in his first-ever appearance in the professional game away at Wakefield in the Challenge Cup well over a year ago.

A good showing tomorrow night will enhance his prospects of getting a first-team run-out before the end of the season, particularly with first-choice Oldham winger Lee Greenwood currently struggling with a sternum injury.

“Ben has played a reasonable amount of Nines rugby both in league and union,” said Mr Hamilton, who will watch Seru take part in group matches against The Royal Navy and Blackpool Panthers.

“I spoke to him at the weekend and he is enjoying getting his match fitness back. He is very keen to be involved with the first team.”

Oldham are keen to keep Seru beyond the expiration of his two-year contract, which comes to an end after the current campaign is over.

However, one potential trouble-spot is the fact that his Royal Engineers regiment is currently due to jet off for a six-month stint in Afghanistan in March.