Oldham wait on trio

OLDHAM continue to monitor the progress of three players in the build up to this weekend’s Challenge Cup, fourth-round tie at home to Barrow Raiders.

Skipper Neil Roden, back-row forward Paul Smith and centre David Cookson will be in for more treatment and tests tonight. The squad will train again on Saturday morning, when coach Tony Benson will finalise his squad.

There have only been four previous Challenge Cup clashes between the clubs since 1923, with the honours even.

Darren Holt, Barrow’s veteran player-coach, will chalk up 400 career games when he takes charge of the Raiders at Whitebank on Sunday (3pm).

He hasn’t played for three weeks because of a calf injury and a one-game suspension. He sat out the Championship One game at Whitebank a fortnight ago, which Oldham won 32-26, but he is over his injury now and is expected to take charge of Barrow’s bid to avenge defeat.

“The boys are fired up for this one,” said 35-year-old Holt. Jack Pedley (shoulder) and prop Andy Bracek (knee) will face late checks. The fifth-round draw will be made in Leeds on Monday at 3pm.

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