Oldham backs in race for fitness

THREE Oldham backs are having treatment as the Roughyeds prepare for their opening Kingstone Press Championship One game in South Wales on Sunday.

Centre David Cookson has a groin problem, while two men who could be vying for the full-back spot, Steven Nield and Tom Whitehead, have hamstring and Achilles tendon problems respectively. They will face fitness checks before coach Scott Naylor names his side to play South Wales Scorpions in Maesteg.

Said Naylor: "We expect all three to be available for selection. We are taking precautions with them, but I think they'll be okay.

"By the time I pick the side on Saturday I expect everybody to be in the frame, with the exception of Phil Joy."

That includes captain and influential half-back Lewis Palfrey, who missed both pre-season games with a muscle injury in his lower back.

Oldham's third-round Tetley's Challenge Cup tie against Egremont Rangers in Cumbria is likely to be arranged for March 15. Rangers believe a Sunday game wouldn't be as popular with fans.

Both clubs are keen for the tie to be staged at nearby Whitehaven, but Oldham stress that venue, day and kick-off time have all to be confirmed.