Injury-hit Workington Town have been boosted by the arrival of two recruits ahead of their stern Sunday test at home to Oldham.
Experienced prop Brad Brennan, most recently with Rochdale Hornets, has signed a contract until the end of the season with the Fibrus Community Stadium club.
In addition the Swinton Lions winger Richard Lepori – a former Whitehaven player – has rejoined on a second two-week loan spell.
The two arrivals will be very welcome as Town suffered more injury problems in their narrow, late degfeat at Nortrh Wales last week and facing leaders Oldham again at home is going to be a serious test, even with the strongest side available.
Head coach Anthony Murray said: “Brad is a very experienced prop having played Championship and League One rugby for various clubs over the last few years.
“He is a player I have coached during my time at North Wales and I know he will buy into our group and work hard for the team.”
Brennan goes straight into the 21 man squad for Sunday’s clash with Oldham but Jordan Burns is out with a shoulder problem whilst Las Tabu is still receiving treatment for a knee injury and Ellis Archer is stood down under concussion protocol.
Lepori returns for a second spell on loan and Town also welcome back Jake Bradley after a one-match suspension.
The 31-year-old Brennan had joined Rochdale in January after enjoying six years at North Wales Crusaders and has played eight times, scoring one try in a 56-24 victory over Cornwall.
This won’t be the first time that he’s played in Cumbria as he became a terrace cult hero in 2017 at Barrow Raiders and he has also played at York, Batley, Hunslet and Coventry.
Vice-captain Joe Wardle comes back into Sean Long’s Oldham squad having been out with a hamstring injury.
Now back fit, Wardle is in contention for a position in the starting line-up at Derwent Park this Sunday.
Dropping out of the squad in place of Wardle is Josh Johnson who misses out this week.
Roughyeds will be looking for their fifth straight away win over Workington having not lost in Cumbria since 2016.
The squad is: Aldridge, Astley, J Chapelhow, T Chapelhow, Craven, Farnworth, Gallagher, Hirst, Jack Johnson, Kopczak, Laulu-Togaga’e, Moran, O’Keefe, Paga, Roebuck, Taylor, M Turner, C Tyrer, K Tyrer, Wardle, Wildie.
