Brierley returns to training

Roughyeds winger Tommy Brierley is nearing a return following injury

Roughyeds winger Tommy Brierley has taken another step towards his return and is now back training with the squad after he suffered a fractured leg and a ruptured ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) last year.

The former Leeds Rhinos man underwent a major operation to completely rebuild his shattered knee after the injury in the first game of last season.

While there is still some way to go before he can return to match action, Brierley has progressed well through the steps and will be a welcome return to the squad.

“He’s not quite ready for selection yet, but he’s back amongst the boys which is a big boost for us,” said head coach Stuart Littler.

“He’ll keep pushing on now and we’ll follow the medical guidance with that.

"He’s been doing straight line running for a while and he has recently upped the ante with straight line running with a bit of directional change.

“He can’t take part in any of the contact yet and he has to have a different coloured bib, so he’s not quite ready for chopping legs, yet.”

Brierley signed for Oldham ahead of the 2021 Championship season from Dewsbury Rams and has made 22 appearances with five tries to his name.

The former York, Hunslet and Coventry man signed a one-year extension with the club at the end of last year and could prove to be a key player with the club chasing promotion back to the championship.

Attention now turns to the away trip to Colwyn Bay when Roughyeds face North Wales Crusaders on March 26.

The club will be boosted by the return of loose-forward Emmerson Whittel who is back in contention for selection, after he served the fourth and last match of his ban.

Elsewhere, Roughyeds’ League One rivals were in Challenge Cup action at the weekend.

Dewsbury Rams beat Rochdale 38-18 after leading 20-0 at half time; North Wales narrowly overcame amateur club Thatto Heath in an 18-10 victory and Doncaster beat Workington 24-20, another close-contest for the South Yorkshire club who remain unbeaten.

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