RL coach to assess players

OLDHAM RL coach Tony Benson will check on the fitness of several players at training tonight ahead of Sunday’s third-round Carnegie Challenge Cup tie against amateurs Hunslet Warriors at the Whitebank Stadium (3pm).

He already has to find replacement wingers for his usual pair, Lucas Onyango and John Gillam, who are ruled out by suspension and injury respectively.

Full-back Ben Heaton was knocked out in a tackle during the Whitehaven game last Sunday and he will continue to be monitored over the next few days.

Meanwhile, young prop Liam Gilchrist, who damaged a shoulder in Oldham’s Northern Rail Cup defeat at Halifax on February 13, hits the comeback trail tonight with a run-out for the reserves at Keighley (7.30pm).

Hough will be seeking a third straight warm-up win following a 36-12 victory over Dewsbury Rams and a 28-10 triumph against Halifax.

Hooker Alex Thompson, utility back Adam Hunt and prop Mark Thomas are ruled out by injury.