Prop Luke Sutton, who hasn't played since he damaged a knee against Blackpool at Whitebank on June 6, hopes to be back in an Oldham RL jersey in the next two or three weeks.

 

The 6ft.4in, Aussie-reared prop will strengthen the Roughyeds' front-row at the business end of the season as coach Tony Benson plots his final assault on promotion from Championship One.

 

He has tweaked a cruciate ligament, but the injury is not as serious as was first feared.

 

"Initially, it looked a bad one," said Luke. "They were talking about me having surgery and being out for the  the season, but the injury has responded well to treatment and rehab.

 

"I've been gradually working my way back. I'm running again now and if I continue to make steady progress I will be back soon."

 

Craig Robinson (knee) and Matty Ashe (collar-bone) didn't play against Swinton last weekend when several more players picked up knocks in a bruising encounter with the  Lions.

 

They included Gregg McNally (hand), Neil Roden (foot/shin), Marcus St Hilaire (groin), Lucas Onyango (ankle), Paul O'Connor (neck) and Valu Bentley (back).

 

There are no Championship or Championship One games this weekend because of the Northern Rail Nines at Fylde on Saturday and the Northern Rail Cup final between Widnes and Batley at Bloomfield Road on Sunday.

 

Roughyeds are in the Nines with a tough group that also includes Featherstone, Barrow and Sheffield.

 

Each of the injured players will be assessed as the week goes on before Tony names his squad.

 

Tickets for the Nines at cut-price rates are available at the Roughyeds office in Lansdowne Road, Chadderton, which is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.