Forber glad to get his boots back on

CARL FORBER... the half-back was expected to make his Roughyeds debut today.

CARL FORBER... the half-back was expected to make his Roughyeds debut today.
CARL Forber believes his loan move to Oldham RL Club will kick-start his season and perhaps lead to a more permanent transfer to the Whitebank Stadium.


The 26-year-old Swinton Lions half-back, who has joined Roughyeds initially for one month, was expected to make his debut in today’s derby clash with Rochdale Hornets.

“This is an opportunity for me to get some games under my belt,” he said.

“I would hope there would be a chance of me staying at Oldham once my month’s loan has expired.

“If I’m enjoying my rugby with Roughyeds and the club is happy with me I would definitely be interested in talking about a more permanent move.”

The former St Helens, Leigh, Workington Town and Blackpool Panthers ace had a chance to come to Oldham on contract last autumn, after the Blackpool outfit folded, but he opted to sign for Swinton. The move didn’t work out as he had planned.

He said: “I’ve been struggling to get into the Swinton side because they have two more good half-backs.

“I was playing one game in three, or something like that, and in those circumstances it’s hard to be at your best or to get some consistency running.

“It’s like constantly going into a game feeling rusty.

“When Swinton asked me if I was happy to talk to Oldham about a loan move I jumped at the chance to get some game time. I’m looking forward to it big style. I just want to play.”

Forber was at Leigh in 2006 when Tony Benson was in charge at Hilton Park and that also had a bearing on the player’s decision to throw his cap into the Roughyeds ring.

“We know each other well, and that’s a bonus,” added Forber. “It’s better than having to start from scratch and having to build an understanding with a new boss.

“To be honest, it will just feel good to get my boots on. I’m just itching to get out there on the field.

“I’ve always played with a No 6 on my back, but in the modern game there isn’t much difference between 6 and 7 and in any case I’ll be happy to play anywhere.”

Roughyeds face a tough Easter with games against Hornets at Whitebank today (3pm kick off) and against Whitehaven away on Monday (3pm).

The trip to Cumbria won't be made any easier by Easter Monday traffic heading for the Lake District and Scotland.

“We've got a demanding four days ahead of us,” said Roughyeds skipper Neil Roden.

“It will give us an indication of whether we have turned the corner with our good win against London Skolars last week.

“I thought we played very well indeed in the first half, and if we can get our defence right we will be getting a lot nearer to where we want to be.”



Oldham Bank Holiday reports and reaction on Tuesday