Thompson back with a bang

IT was thumbs-up for Liam Thompson — and for Oldham RL — when the young loose-forward proved a hit in his first senior game after shoulder surgery.

The 22-year-old former Wigan and Widnes player was withdrawn from the under-20s game at Keighley last Thursday night shortly after half-time.

On the strength of two successful outings in the second team he was promoted to the first-team bench for yesterday’s 36-0 win against All Golds in Cheltenham.

He replaced Mark Hobson after 25 minutes — an opportunity he grasped with both hands.

“Liam did exceptionally well on the ball, in the tackle and to come out of it with no ill-effects to his shoulder,” said Roughyeds assistant boss Lee Spencer.

Head coach Scott Naylor made changes after two defeats in a row.

Centre Danny Samuel, hooker Sam Gee and prop Chris Tyrer were replaced by Steven Nield, Thompson and Michael Ward.

Long-serving former captain Neil Roden returned to the starting line-up and added a late try.

Roughyeds have no games next weekend,