Slater to miss Sunday's clash with knee injury

Roughyeds begin their 25th Anniversary Betfred League One season with Sunday's clash against Keighley Cougars

Oldham Rugby League Club will be without young hooker Sean Slater, who has a knee injury, when they begin their 25th Anniversary Betfred League One season with Sunday's clash against Keighley Cougars at the Vestacare Stadium (3pm kick-off).

Twenty-year-old, Oldham-born Slater has a torn medial ligament which could keep him sidelined for six weeks or more.

"It's a setback for any player, but it's especially difficult for a young fella who is new to the club and was excited about playing for his home-town club," said Roughyeds' boss Stuart Littler.

"Mentally, he needs all the support he can get - and he will certainly get it from everyone at the club."

Jack Arnold, Jordan Andrade and Calvin Wellington, who all missed the pre-season friendly win at Keighley two weeks ago, are back in full training but a fourth absentee that day, Jason Muranka, sees a consultant this week as part of the RFL's head-injury protocols.

The club has appealed to fans to take a friend and double the gate and has targeted a crowd of 1,000 at each of its ten home league games this season.

Furthermore, every mum who attends the Keighley game on Mothers' Day will be given a daffodil and entered into a free draw, the first prize of which is a spa day for two with afternoon tea.

Game-day hospitality for any mum with a full-paying adult is half-price at £15.

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