Onyango returns from injury

Lucas Onyango‘s 11-month injury exile will end at Whitebank tonight (Thurs) when he starts his comeback for the reserves against Sheffield Eagles (7.45).

The club has confirmed that the 30-year-old winger, in his sixth season with Roughyeds, will take to the field for the first time since he ruptured an Achilles tendon on May Day last year.

He was injured in a freak accident when he jumped to collect a high ball, and then fell awkwardly, during the team’s warm-up before the home game against Doncaster.

Having scored 69 tries in 97 appearances, the Kenyan will be hoping to play a major role in the club’s push for promotion this season, but first he must prove his fitness and the club will make sure he adopts a softly, softly approach.

In his first run-out he is likely to be given no more than half an hour before he is withdrawn.

Despite extensive efforts, Roughyeds were unable to arrange a pre-season friendly for the reserves, who go into the first of their 16 league games from cold.

Team: Nield; Onyango, Hinsley, Dean, Rigby; Reid, Connick; Thomas, Mansfield, Eyres, Bailey, Langtree, Smith. Subs: Hughes, Noon, Joy, Jackson.