OLDHAM centre Jumah Sambou is hungry for more match action after chalking up another outing on the return trail from a lengthy lay-off.
When the powerful 22-year-old switched from St Helens towards the end of 2023, he was recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Sambou made his comeback in August, registering two appearances – and four tries – as Sean Long’s side eased to promotion as League One champions.
And he has featured in both this year’s Challenge Cup ties, crossing once in the 60-10 romp against amateurs Rochdale Mayfield before going over twice in the 42-4 third-round win over Barrow back at Boundary Park.
“I’m just glad to be playing,” said Sambou, who also scored a try in his sole first-team game for Saints, as a winger in the 30-10 Super League victory at Castleford in 2022.
“I’m trying to put into practice all the things I’ve learned in training to help the team, and it was great to contribute to a hard-fought win.”
Coach Long was boosted by both his side’s eight tries and determined defence against Barrow, who didn’t score until the 78th minute.
“I thought we started really well, with the pack setting the tone, and it snowballed from there,” he explained.
“Our spine looked strong, there was cohesion throughout the team and I have to credit the lads for their efforts.
“They kept turning up for each other and scrambling against a good side who threw an awful lot at us.
“We came close to keeping them out, and in the end it was just the sheer weight of possession on our line that caught us out.
“There weren’t many games last season when we were under the pump for that long, but there will be more this year.
“We might get a few things wrong at times, but I don’t think we will be outworked by anyone.”
