Benson remains upbeat

Recent signing Chris Tyrer could be elevated into Swinton’s starting 13 to face Oldham on Sunday. The talented forward was on the bench for Swinton’s 42-22 defeat at Leigh last week.

But coach Steve McCormack is promising to give each of his first team squad a chance to impress before the start of the Co-operative Championship season.

Oldham coach Tony Benson is set to be without Valu Bentley (concussion), with Ben Wood, Johnny Walker and Martin Roden all being considered as possible replacements.

Ben Heaton (groin) will face a late fitness test after missing Tuesday night’s training session as a precautionary measure.

Last week Oldham lost 50-10 against Halifax, but Benson is remaining upbeat.

He said: “It was just one of those games. It was there for the taking at 14-8 at half time, and I thought we could do it at that stage. However, they kept the ball off us for 15 minutes and scored three tries at the start of the second half, and that was game over.”

On Swinton, Benson said: “They’re the team to beat (in Co-operative Championship One).

“They’ve spent the money and built a quality squad. It’s a good challenge for us and it’ll help us to gauge where we are ourselves.”