Oldham back-row fears are allayed

Liam Thompson

FEARS that Oldham RL Club's back-row grafter and 2016 player of the year Liam Thompson could be out for a long time with a lower-back injury have been allayed.

He hasn't played since hurting his back in the first of three pre-season warm-up games at Swinton on January 8 and then aggravating it when shaken up in a road accident.

A scan has revealed a bulging disc, but the latest prognosis is that it is nothing to cause undue concern and Thompson could be back within two to three weeks.

Prop Ben Davies is also making rapid progress while on rehab for a back complaint.

Said club chairman Chris Hamilton: "It's excellent news for both Liam and Ben and a huge positive for the club.

"We could see Liam back on the field soon, while Ben is coming along nicely and is itching to start contact work again."

George Tyson has cleared two games off his four-match ban and will be available for the home match against Dewsbury Rams on Sunday, March 5.

London Broncos, meanwhile, will train with NRL champions Cronulla Sharks on Thursday, ahead of the Australian side's Dacia World Club Challenge game at Wigan and the Broncos clash with Oldham at Bower Fold.

The full-time Londoners only narrowly beat Swinton Lions at Sale on the opening day of the Kingstone Press Championship and last Sunday they were beaten 28-22 at home by Hull KR.

They lie three places beneath Oldham in the Championship table with inferior for-and-against figures.

Tuoyo Egodo, who had four years in the Broncos academy before going full-time with Castleford Tigers and then on to Oldham on loan, will be especially keen to play against his former club.

He took a blow to the sternum in Sunday's 8-6 defeat by Featherstone, however, and is having daily treatment and rehab at Castleford.

Scott Leatherbarrow, a key man for Oldham with responsibilities as chief play-maker, tactical kicker and goalkicker, was also at Broncos in 2016.

Season-ticket passes, which will this year be shaped like a credit or debit card, will be available for collection (receipts required) from 1.30pm (main entrance) up to the 3pm kick-off at Bower Fold on Sunday.

To book for the pre-match ORSA hospitality and buffet, which includes pre and post-match interviews and presentations, ring Paul Hulbert on 07534329674.

The cost is £10 for season-ticket holders and £25, including a main-stand seat, for everyone else.