Burke geared for Oldham debut

JOE Burke: expected to get his first hame for Oldham this weekend

OLDHAM will unveil new prop Joe Burke over the Easter weekend — if not tomorrow against Halifax at Bower Fold (3pm), then at Sale on Monday against Swinton Lions (2pm).

The 25-year-old Welsh international’s debut has been delayed for three weeks by illness and ineligibility for the cup game against Kells. Now he’s primed to go and keen to make a big impression.

“He’s a good lad; he’s been training exceptionally well; and I’m looking forward to seeing him play,” said coach Scott Naylor.

Newport-born Burke, released by North Wales Crusaders at the height of their cash crisis, expects to be part of his new club’s two-match Easter Parade, but he is taking nothing for granted.

“There are a lot of good players here,” he said. “I’m crossing my fingers and waiting for Scott to name the side to play Halifax.

“Players look forward to every game, but it’s a bit special when you make your first appearance for a new club because you so want to do well and put on a performance to show why you’ve been signed.

“I seem to have been around the club for a while without playing, but training has been good and I’ve certainly had time to settle in and feel comfortable with new team-mates and new surroundings.”

There will be late checks on Danny Langtree and Danny Grimshaw, but Naylor expects them to come through and to have a full squad available, plus dual-registration players from Huddersfield, apart from long-term absentees.