Anxious wait for Oldham forward

PAUL NOONE

PAUL Noone, already ruled out of Oldham’s Challenge Cup tie at St Helens on Friday, might be sidelined for several weeks.

Hospital X-rays have confirmed he suffered ankle ligament damage in the 20-20 draw at London Skolars.

He will be assessed tonight by Oldham physiotherapist Rachael Johnson, but coach Tony Benson and club officials are bracing themselves for the worst.

“It looks as though he could be out for a few weeks, but we’ll know more tonight,” said chairman Chris Hamilton.

If fears are confirmed, Noone will join a long-term injury list which has claimed winger John Gillam, prop Luke Stenchion, stand-off Neil Roden and young utility back Chris Murphy.

Noone’s second-row partner Paul Smith, who has captained the side in Roden’s absence, will also be examined tonight after pulling up with a hamstring injury in the first few minutes of the London game.

It is looking increasingly likely that both these experienced forwards will miss the Roughyeds’ fifth-round cup tie at Langtree Park

The RFL has confirmed that new signings Graham Holroyd and Jamie Acton are eligible to play.

Interest in the tie is building, said Hamilton.



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