O’Hara’s return from injury is welcome boost for Sandercock

The talented front-row, 31, has cut a frustrated figure at Craven Park since signing from Crusaders.

Injured in pre-season, he has been unable to make his presence felt due to a severe shoulder problem but has now come through two Under-20s games unscathed and may go straight into the squad for Rovers’ trip to Wigan Warriors.

“I think Ryan is ready and he’s certainly in the mix for selection,” said coach Craig Sandercock, who, after the recent return of stand-off Blake Green, is finally seeing some of his problems eased.

“Most teams at the start of the season have a full-strength squad to choose from but, unfortunately, we were five men down before a ball had been kicked.

“To get the majority of players back is pleasing.”

While Rovers are certainly bolstered – Jake Webster is now their only absentee – and buoyant after successive Super League wins over Salford and London Broncos, they will need all their squad fully firing this evening to prevent in-form Wigan Warriors going top.

“Obviously Wigan are one of the best sides in the competition with a myriad of class players,” said Sandercock.

“It’ll give us a good indication of where we’re at.

“The amount of class players they have on their roster is ridiculous so we need to be strong in all areas.

“Their full-back (Sam Tomkins) is a world-class player but their pack of forwards is really impressive.

“I love the hooker (Michael McIllorum), Jeff Lima seems to be killing it and Gareth Hock is in career-best form so they have threats all over the park,” said Sandercock.

“We’ve prepared the best we can but what you need to do to stop those players is limit the amount of opportunities they get.

“Our ball retention is something we’ve been working on.

“It’s all about concentration and decision-making under pressure.

“Hopefully we’re slowly showing signs of improvement.”