St Hilaire back to help defence

Marcus St Hilaire (with ball)

ROUGHYEDS ROUND UP:

MARCUS St Hilaire made a big difference to Oldham on his return at the weekend.

That is the consensus from just about everyone involved in the Roughyeds set-up, who know just how important the wiles of the experienced former Leeds and Bradford centre (pictured carrying ball, below) are.

A back injury had robbed coach Tony Benson of his most decorated player and there were even fears that the Huddersfield-born 33-year-old's career could be over due to a possible spinal problem.

As it turned out, his injury was more innocuous that that.

And, in returning to the starting line-up at Workington alongside winger Lucas Onyango on the right, St Hilaire stiffened a defence which had conceded 60 points at home to Hunslet seven days earlier.

"The injury wasn't hurting him and it was just a collection of fluid," said Roughyeds coach Tony Benson.

"But that could have been a sign of him having fractured his spine or a severe disc problem.

"Once the scan came through, it was confirmed that he had taken what was the equivalent of a dead leg in his back.

"It was fantastic to have 'Junior' back as I don't think a lot of people realise how important a player he is for us, not least in terms of the guidance and direction he gives other players.

"He toughened us up defensively and I also think the left side performed better at Workington thanks to the changes we made."