Thunder threat to proud record

SCOTT Naylor’s first two league games at Whitebank as Oldham RL Club’s new coach ended in defeats by Rochdale and Oxford.

That was more than two years ago — and in the league Fortress Whitebank hasn’t been breached since.

It is 19 games since Roughyeds last suffered a home league defeat, but they are preparing for their biggest test on Sunday since a last-gasp 24-23 win against Hunslet Hawks last July.

Stanley Gene’s Super League-ambitious Newcastle Thunder will roll into town for the first time since the former Gateshead club was taken over by wealthy Newcastle Rugby Ltd, owners of Newcastle Falcons union side.

Former Hull KR star Gene flew to his native Papua New Guinea and came back with PNG internationals Charlie Wabo, Jason Tali and Mark Mexico, after which he turned loan half-back Matty Beharrell from Hull KR into a fully-signed player.

Only unbeaten leaders Keighley Cougars have beaten Thunder - currently one place beneath Oldham in third - so far in League One.

“It’s going to be a big game for both teams,” said Naylor.

After a bruising battle at Barrow, in which Roughyeds suffered their first league defeat of the season, the players are back for training tonight, though an early indication is that there will be few injury problems.

None of the New Guinea boys played in Newcastle’s 58-12 win at Hemel and it has since emerged that Mexico will be out for several weeks with a torn hamstring.

Tali and Wabo have minor knocks and are expected to be back in action at Whitebank along with French utility player Sebastien Martins, who has joined Thunder on trial and is expected to replace Mexico on his debut.

Roughyeds won’t be affected by the aftermath of Saturday’s match brawl. Oldham’s Gareth Owen and Barrow's Liam Campbell were sent off for fighting but their cases won’t be heard until next week.