Stenchion close to Oldham return

Oldham prop Luke Stenchion is hoping to put a difficult year behind him by finishing the season strongly.

Stenchion, 26, smashed his thumb in pre-season against Whitehaven, before breaking his hand in a bizarre incident during the pre-match warm-up of his return match against North Wales Crusaders.

He still featured in the 36-32 defeat, without knowing the full extent of his injury, but is now looking to make a return for Oldham’s reserves against Halifax next Thursday after nearly three months out.

Head Coach Tony Benson said: “He has played once in six months, and even that was with one good hand.

“Luke has to be a strong contender for our unluckiest-player-of-the-year award, but he is back now in full contact training, and he will play in the reserves next week.

“He has been sidelined for so long, it will be like having a new player.”

The former Batley forward will be looking to stake his claim for a place in the final four games of the season for the Roughyeds, starting with the clash at Barrow on August 5th.