NRC Preview: Oldham v Sheffield

Oldham coach Tony Benson has doubts over Neil Roden, Dave Ellison, Lucas Onyango and Wayne Kerr ahead of Sunday’s Northern Rail Cup fixture with Sheffield.

Benson is keeping his fingers crossed that they will be passed fit but they will be monitored during the week before any firm decision is made.

Oldham lost 28-14 at Hunslet last week. Benson said: “To play so badly and still be in touch for 70 minutes of the game shows that there is something there and that it isn’t all doom and gloom.”

Former Salford, Hull and Warrington winger Richie Barnett could make his Sheffield debut on Sunday.

The 28-year-old winger joined the Eagles last week after completing a two-year drugs ban but coach Mark Aston could be ready to throw him into the action at Oldham.

Sheffield travel to Lancashire fresh from their midweek triumph over Cup favourites Halifax. Victory against the Roughyeds would guarantee Mark Aston’s side a place in the quarter finals.