Benson rings the changes

PAUL REILLY and Danny Whitmore will team up in the halves for tonight’s friendly in Whitehaven, as Roughyeds coach Tony Benson makes a host of changes to his side.

The experienced former Huddersfield full-back Reilly will operate at stand-off alongside scrum-half Whitmore, the former Salford player having served a one-match ban from last season.

Eight men — Paul O’Connor, Ben Heaton, Valu Bentley, Dave Ellison, Kashley Watkins, Jason Boults, Gary Sykes and John Gillam — are left out following their efforts in the 54-16 defeat to Batley on Sunday.

And those getting their first taste of pre-season action in the testimonial game for Howard Hill at the Recreation Ground (8pm kick-off), along with Reilly and Whitmore are Mike Priest, Craig Littler, Craig Robinson and Scott Mansfield.

Benson is seeking to rotate his squad amid a busy period of three matches in eight days, culminating in the Law Cup game against Hornets RL at Spotland on Sunday.

Work commitments have done for the chances of some players making the long midweek trip, while others could face the prospect of playing some part in all three friendly games.

“That will be something I will have to bear in mind when allocating game time in this one,” Benson said.

While 20 players took to the field at Mount Pleasant, 18 have been named so far by Benson for tonight’s game, including six Oldhamers in Mick Fogerty, Mark Brocklehurst, Whitmore, Scott Mansfield, Michael Ward and Chris Clarke.

Team: Brand; Priest, Littler, Fogerty, Brocklehurst; Reilly, Whitmore; Graves, M Roden, Kerr, Murtza, Robinson, Mansfield. Subs: Kinney, Ashe, Ward, Clarke, Onyango.