Skolars pose big threat – Naylor

Date published: 02 August 2013


OLDHAM may have to go to London Skolars on Sunday without Championship One’s leading try scorer, centre Jon Ford.

Coach Scott Naylor has been warned by Salford City Reds they may recall their talented teenager to play in Sunday's Super League game with Huddersfield Giants.

A decision on Ford was being made today, but even if Oldham keep hold of him, there will be changes in at the back to cater for the return from international duty of full-back Richard Lepori.

Debutant Tom Whitehead, who stood in for Lepori, gave an excellent all-round performance to give Naylor a selection headache.

There will be changes in the forwards as well. Loan prop Nathan Mason has been recalled by Huddersfield, but Jason Boults is again available and Matthew Haggarty's loan deal from Barrow has been extended as of last night.

Said Naylor: "I'm very happy about this. He's got better week by week and we still haven't seen the best of him. Barrow have agreed to let him stay and that's a real plus.

"In the backs, I don't know yet whether we'll have Jon Ford, and there are different ways I can go in relation to Richard Lepori's return to the side.

"We're top of the league and that alone will cause Skolars to lift their game. Needless to say, we will approach it as professionally as possible and hopefully we will get the job done."

Roughyeds beat the Londoners 30-22 at Whitebank on June 2 – one of coach Joe Mbu's side's three defeats on the road.