Problems mount for Roughyeds

COACH Tony Benson and his Oldham RL first-team squad are reeling from the double whammy of injuries and sickness.

Captain Neil Roden, who played against South Wales Scorpions last Sunday despite feeling unwell, has since been told to stay indoors while he battles to overcome a viral infection.

Full-back Ben Heaton has gone down with a recurrence of the tonsillitis which sidelined him for a couple of matches last month.

Youngster Matthew Fogarty was unwell in the early part of last week and several other players were under the weather before, during and after Sunday’s shock 40-20 defeat in Caerphilly.

Biggest worries regarding injuries surround recent centre signing Mick Fogerty, who suffered serious damage to a knee in the second half at Caerphilly.

He was due to be examined in hospital today, but the Roughyeds think he has suffered a torn ligament that would probably keep him out for at least six weeks.

Prop Jason Boults, hurt in the first few minutes on Sunday when he went over on an ankle, is targeting a comeback at Doncaster on Sunday, June 5, so too winger John Gillam, who damaged ligaments in a foot in the cup defeat at Hull on May 7.

On a brighter note, Marcus St Hilaire, who severely gashed a hand at work last week, has been assured that he hasn’t damaged any tendons.

He was having his dressings off and stitches examined today.

Young prop Tom Wood-Hulme, sidelined for several weeks with a broken thumb, was back in training last night. He also hopes to be ready for consideration for the Doncaster game.