Double boost in big-game build-up

ADAM Files and Danny Langtree came through fitness tests on thigh muscle strains to give Oldham a boost ahead of Sunday's big game against North Wales Crusaders.

Full-back Steven Nield is out with a knee injury but forwards Files and Langtree trained with the squad as usual.

Versatile Sammy Gee, the Roughyeds' play-anywhere vice-captain, is also back to his best after struggling with a stomach upset.

"Apart from Steven Nield, who is injured and Jarrod Ward, who has left the club, everyone who played at Keighley is available," said coach Scott Naylor.

Finding replacements for those two won't be easy, but Jack Holmes and Tom Dempsey will be knocking on the door and Naylor also has the option of bolstering his back division by going to Huddersfield Giants for dual-registration reinforcements.

The Oldham boss won't be short of options in the forwards with Josh Johnson available again after suspension, Richard Joy chomping at the bit for another chance, and Oliver Roberts also thought to be available again on dual-reg.

Crusaders have also had their injury worries, headed by their two senior backs Christiaan Roets and Stuart Reardon.

Crusaders are saying nothing about their prospects of reappearing at Whitebank, but if there’s half a chance you would expect coach Anthony Murray to go with at least one of them.