Clean bill of health for Roughyeds… almost

Roughyeds head coach Scott Naylor

With one exception, Oldham hope to have a clean bill of health by the time they emerge from their current break to play London Skolars in the capital on Saturday, August 3 (3pm kick-off).

The odd man out is winger Aaron Jones-Bishop, who is waiting for a knee reconstruction and won't play again this season.

Kyran Johnson, another winger, is back in full training after suffering a broken jaw at Keighley Cougars at the end of May and will be in contention for the five remaining games in the Betfred League 1 regular season.

Prop Ben Davies and play-anywhere Anthony Bowman are currently sidelined with back and knee injuries respectively but head coach Scott Naylor is hoping both could be ready to play again by the time Roughyeds head south for the London game early next month.

If they are, the Roughyeds boss will have 24 players at his disposal for the five-match final run-in.

Backs: Johnson, McComb, Holmes, Hawkyard, Hewitt, Crook, Brook, Kershaw, Bowman, Maders, Aaronson, Leeming.

Forwards: Joy, Owen, Law, Calland, Whittel, Spencer, Langtree, Davies, Greenwood, Wilkinson, Bent, Bridge.

The players are currently experiencing the quiet before the storm, enjoying a few days off before going into battle in the five remaining games against London (away), Newcastle Thunder (home), Doncaster (home), Coventry Bears (away) and Hunslet (away).

Of those five, four are presently in the play-off zone and three have already beaten Roughyeds once this season.

Said Naylor: "It's going to be tough and we'll need all the players we can muster.

"There's a lot of rugby to be played yet and there will be a few twists and turns before the final positions are known."

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