WITH seven tries in the three games since he returned from injury, Danny Langtree has opened up a clear-cut lead at the top of Oldham's try-scoring list this season.

He now totals 17 - six more than his nearest challengers Dave Hewitt and Zack McComb, who are joint second on 11.

Both 'Langers' and centre Matt Reid have scored in each of the Roughyeds' last three games against North Wales Crusaders, Doncaster and Hemel Stags.

Reid scored one try in each, while Langtree ran in four against North Wales, one at Doncaster and two at Hemel.

He has now scored more tries in a season than any other Oldham second-row forward since the new club was launched for the start of the 1998 season.

"He's enjoying his best-ever season," said coach Scott Naylor, of the former St Helens junior, who is in his eighth season at the club, having spent 2011 and 2012 in the Roughyeds' reserve side.

He was withdrawn at half-time at Hemel because of a rib complaint, but both the player and Naylor confirmed afterwards that it was merely a precautionary move with this Sunday's big game against Whitehaven in mind.

Club captain Gareth Owen, meanwhile, is only one appearance short of reaching 100 games for Roughyeds, having made his debut in a 24-23 Championship One win against Hunslet in July, 2014.

Oldham's leading try scorers: Langtree 17, Hewitt 11, McComb 11, Bridge 10, Reid 9, Hooley 8, West 8, Joy 7, Kershaw 7, Wilkinson 7.

Sunday's opponents Whitehaven are assessing the fitness of hooker Stuart Howarth, who suffered a hairline fracture and chipped a bone in his right arm at Bradford last weekend.

Said coach Carl Forster: "He is determined to play at Oldham. It shows the spirit we have in this group, but we have to go with medical advice."

Dion Aiye, Dan Abram and Lewis Brown were out injured last week, but they will also be assessed before Forster names his 19 for a match which both clubs have described as 'must win'.

Hensingham forward Jordan Thompson, an amateur, impressed Forster at Bradford and he may have done enough to retain his place in the squad.

Roughyeds are urging fans to turn up in numbers and become the Roughyeds' 18th man.