Ex-Batley hooker Sheridan suffering from coronavirus

FORMER Sheffield Eagles and Batley Bulldogs hooker Brendan Sheridan is in hospital suffering from coronavirus.

Dewsbury-born Sheridan is assistant coach at Championship club Oldham and is the younger brother of 44-year-old Castleford assistant coach and former Great Britain scrum-half Ryan

Sheridan. He was appointed by Oldham in November having helped National Conference side Dewsbury Celtic earn promotion.

Sheridan is No2 to Oldham chief Matt Diskin, the former Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain hooker.

The club revealed the news in a wider-ranging statement on their website with chairman Chris Hamilton writing: “I can also inform you that Brendan Sheridan, our assistant coach, is currently in hospital suffering from the (corona) virus.

“In his short time at the club he has become an integral part of what we are doing and is a real livewire.

“I have been in touch with him on a daily basis and it goes without saying that I hope all of you will keep him in your thoughts as we wish him a speedy recovery. I would ask that you respect his privacy at this time please.

“It underlines just how real this situation is and we would ask you to also please keep an eye out for those more vulnerable than yourself.”

Hamilton added: “The RFL have been doing a fantastic job during the past few weeks in relation to not only keeping clubs up to date on the situation but also in their discussions with Government on behalf of the sport – a standpoint that will only be beneficial in the long run.

“We are grateful for their support.”

Meanwhile, the NRL has delivered a rescue package of around £19.75m to help its clubs cope with the financial impact of Covid-19.

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg yesterday told the 16 clubs they will each receive around £1.25m to help them cover costs during the suspension.

ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys announced the deal with Greenberg and said the “crisis has highlighted the game’s present cost structure is not sustainable” while saying they hope to re-start “ideally” by July 1.