New-boy Syron in at the deep end

HOPING TO MAKE AN IMPACT: prop Matt Syron meets Oldham coach Tony Benson.

OLDHAM RL new boy Matty Syron is in line for an early debut at Workington on Sunday.

The 20-year-old Leeds Rhinos prop, here on dual registration, will have had three training sessions with Roughyeds by the time Tony Benson reveals his squad to travel.

“He’ll certainly be seriously considered,” said the Oldham boss in a broad hint that Syron might be in the 17.

Benson was relieved when the deal went through.

He added: “We were down to four props and if one were to be injured we would have been short.

“Matty adds to numbers but, more importantly, he brings with him some quality, to say nothing of power and strength.

“He has been brought up the Leeds way, and we all know how good that is.”

Chris Clarke, concussed at Keighley, will be assessed later in the week.

Matthew Fogarty, Mark McCully, Valu Bentley, Chris Murphy and Paul Ballard all missed that game due to injury so they will have to prove their fitness if they are to return to the reckoning.

Also busting to get back will be the three who were given a day off last Sunday — Neil Roden, Danny Whitmore and Michael Ward.

Benson will watch the reserves against Sheffield Eagles at Whitebank tonight (7.45pm) to run the rule also over first-team squad members Tom Rigby (wing), Jack Reid (stand-off) and Danny Langtree (second-row).

Lucas Onyango plays tonight for the first time since he ruptured an Achilles nearly a year ago, but he’ll be given no more than half an hour and he will not be considered for the first league game.

Benson added: “There are big selections decisions to be made, depending on fitness tests and performances in the reserves.”

Alex Thompson will miss the league opener, as will Workington duo Brett Carter and Elliott Miller, because of suspension.