Make most of opportunity, Benson tells Oldham players

UP FOR THE CHALLENGE . . . St Helens coach Mike Rush, Saints captain Paul Wellens, Oldham forward Paul Noone and coach Tony Benson at Langtree Park.

COACH Tony Benson has urged his Oldham RL players to use Friday’s trip to Langtree Park as a career springboard.

Roughyeds take on Super League outfit St Helens in round five of the Challenge Cup in plush surroundings.

“We are taking on one of the best teams in the country at one of the best stadiums in the country, so we couldn’t have asked for more from the draw,” said Benson.

“It is a shame we will be without second-row men Paul Noone and Paul Smith on Friday due to injury because their experience is invaluable and would have helped settle some of the younger players.

“But it is just a case of making the most of this opportunity and learning from it.”

Benson he has no regrets about the match being switched to Langtree Park.

He added: “It is a shame we had to forfeit home advantage and obviously some of the fans would have preferred us to host it.

“But it wasn’t possible and to be honest we could not have found a better alternative venue.

“This represents a rare opportunity for all of us.”




The full version of this story can be read in our print and eChron editions