Injury worries for Oldham ahead of derby battle

Oldham are looking at two new injury concerns as they prepare for Friday’s big derby battle with Swinton Lions at Bower Fold (3pm).

Because of its relevance at the lower end of the Kingstone Press Championship table, the first of Roughyeds’ two games over Easter is significantly more important for both clubs than last weekend’s games against Toulouse Olympique and Hull KR in which they were both heavily beaten.

Oldham prop Jack Spencer ‘popped’ a rib in a heavy tackle in the first few minutes at Toulouse, where he was taken off, never to return.

Half-back David Hewitt picked up a groin/hamstring injury and he will also be assessed tonight.

Hooker Gareth Owen, the club captain, and fit-again Scott Turner were part of  the 19-man squad that travelled to the south of France, but neither figured.

With only a two-day turnaround before Roughyeds go to Halifax on Monday, Owen, Turner, George Tyson and  Ben Davies will  be in the selection mix if Tyson (hamstring) and Davies (calf) are ready in time.