We should already be promoted – Crowley

Date published: 12 September 2013


JOSH Crowley finds it “frustrating” that Oldham have to compete in the play-offs after finishing as Championship One runners-up, nine points ahead of third-placed Rochdale.
He believes Roughyeds deserved to go up to the Championship automatically with champions North Wales Crusaders.

As the fourth member of this year’s young squad to sign on again for 2014, 21-year-old Crowley is banking on Scott Naylor’s boys having plenty to celebrate at Leigh Sports Village on September 29.

“We deserve it, but the way things are we’ve still to win two more games to reach our goal so we’ve a lot to do,” said the former Widnes Vikings back-row forward, who has played in each of Oldham’s 21 competitive games in all competitions this year.

He added: “We all aspire to go as far in the game as we can, so it’s important to all of us that we get up into the championship.

“Whatever happens, though, I’m committed to Oldham now for another year because I honestly believe the club is going places and I want to be part of it.”

Playing at centre, Crowley was Premier Sports’ man of the match when Roughyeds won 30-25 at Rochdale in a televised thriller a month ago.

Now he’s gearing up for an encore in Sunday’s play-off derby clash at Whitebank (3pm) in the hope of helping Roughyeds to a place in the final.

Coach Naylor won’t name his line-up until Saturday, but Crowley will figure somewhere, as he has all season.

Said the Roughyeds boss: “Josh has been a revelation. Before I signed him, he had never played outside of Academy rugby, so it was a big ask to expect him to step up.

“He has got better as the season has gone on. He gives you everything he has to give.”