Smith itching to get back on his bike

Oldham forward Ed Smith is happy that his latest knee operation was a success.

The surgeon removed a torn cartilage from the knee on which the former York City Knights captain had previously had two reconstructions after cruciate ligament damage.

This latest operation, performed on July 11, was a minor one compared with the others and was in no way related.

Smith now hopes to be ready to play again within a couple of months.

He said: "I'm due to see the surgeon again this Saturday, but as far as I can tell the operation went well.

"It was straightforward; he just took out the cartilage.

"It might be a couple of months before I can play again, but I will be talking to the surgeon to see when I can start gentle exercise and begin my rehab.

"I bought a bike early on in the lockdown so I'll be back on that as soon as I'm allowed.

"The fact that there is no rugby at present is no good for most of the lads but, to be honest, it suits me for obvious reasons.

"Training wise, we are all doing our own thing anyway, and I'll be working hard to get back to match fitness as soon as I can.

"The surgeon will tell me on Saturday what I can do and what I can't do and, hopefully, it won't be long before I'm back on the bike."

Meanwhile, a reminder that time is fast running out for anyone intending to order one of Oldham Rugby League Club's special tee-shirts dedicated to the magnificent work of the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The online deadline is 5pm tomorrow (Saturday), so don't delay if, like many others, you love the look of the smart, rainbow-coloured 'top' with the NHS logo on the front.

Half the profits will go to NHS charities.

It retails at £29 for all sizes, ranging from extra small youths at 26" to 6XL at 54" (all sizes given on the website).

Said club chairman Christopher Hamilton: "We are still getting orders from people all over the UK, most recently from Chesterfield in Derbyshire and from two people in Scotland."

To order, go to the club's website at: www.roughyeds.co.uk; find the news story headlined 'Don't miss the deadline for ordering our NHS tee-shirts' and follow the link from there.

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