Brett Robinson is back from a one-match ban as Oxford RL seek revenge against South Wales Scorpions at The Gnoll, Neath, on Sunday.

Robinson’s return gives Oxford a lift following their 42-28 defeat by Rochdale Hornets at Iffley Road.

Oxford went down 22-20 to Scorpions in their first home game, with only a missed conversion after the hooter separating the teams.

While Oxford were without a game last weekend, the Welsh side suffered the agony of being pipped 36-32 at home to Oldham with the Lancashire outfit scoring on the hooter to snatch victory.

Oxford assistant coach Martin Roden said “South Wales have been rebuilding over the past month and have brought in a few new players to their team.

“It is a big battle for us, as they were unlucky last time out against Oldham not to come away from the game with more than the losing bonus point.

“It is a crucial game for us especially after last weekend’s results which make the league incredibly tight.

“It is important that we bounce back from the defeat against Rochdale and keep the pressure on the other sides around us.

“The boys have come back refreshed after their breaks and have showed great commitment, along with a fantastic intensity during this week’s session.

“They know what they have got to do and that was certainly evident in the training sessions.”

Captain Alex Thompson has returned to training, but is still a couple of weeks away from playing, while Chris Clarke remains a long-term absentee along with Luke Evans.

Oxford RL: from Leather, Onyango, Halliwell, Morris, S Robinson, Connick, B Robinson, Ellison, Bentley, Roden, Hadden, Osborn, Hoggins, Johnson, Clough, Baird, Calladine, Fiander, Burch, Blewitt, Lynch, Briggs.

MARK Ramsdale, a public affairs and government relations practitioner with over ten years’ experience in Whitehall and Westminster, has been appointed to Oxford RL’s board of directors.

Ramsdale is also secretary to the UK Parliament’s Rugby League Group and the organiser of the Rugby League Varsity Match between Oxford and Cambridge.