McNally to make Oldham debut

Gregg McNally is ready to make his Oldham debut after agreeing to a month’s loan deal with Tony Benson’s side.

The former Whitehaven star has been drafted straight into Benson’s squad, while Irish international Wayne Kerr is also available after avoiding a suspension at the RFL’s midweek disciplinary hearing.

Benson said: “Gregg is a young fellow, but he has played all his rugby as a half-back and a lot of it with Whitehaven in the Championship.”

He added: “We have some tough games coming up and Gregg will give us what we need as a vital decision-making component of the team.”

Hawks’ Richard Chapman is struggling, but coach Paul March has contingency plans in place.

He said: “Darren Robinson can come in if needed, and Luke Haigh can start the game if Richard doesn’t make it.”

March added: “Last week we picked up the three points – which was pleasing – but the performance wasn’t up to scratch. We only played for 40 minutes.

“It’s another big test for us against Oldham. We’ve played them three times already this year, in the Northern Rail Cup, Carnegie Challenge Cup and Co-operative Championship One.

“We both know a lot about each other and we’re both at the top end of the league so it should be an entertaining game.”