Boxing clever

Photo: PICTURE: CHRIS SUNDERLAND

jab and move: Liam Thompson (left) and Danny Langtree keep a close eye on each other.

Boxing:

OLDHAM Rugby League players swapped the training pitch for the boxing ring as part of their preparations for the new season.

Under the eye of staff at Eric Noi’s Oldham Boxing and Personal Development Centre they enjoyed what coach Scott Naylor described as a “brilliant” session which challenged his young squad both mentally and physically.

Naylor and his No 2 Lee Spencer took a back seat as staff at the boxing club did their bit to ensure that Roughyeds will be punching above their weight in the forthcoming Kingstone Press Championship One campaign.

“The lads did a spot of sparring, but there was a lot more to it than that,” said Naylor.

“Coach Tommy Mooney ran the session and it was great for the lads to hear a different voice and to be put through different routines. It got the players’ brains working as well as their muscles.

“We’ve been working hard for several weeks,” added Naylor. “The value and importance of pre-season work can’t be overestimated. It’s the basis for everything that follows throughout the season and it’s vital that, individually and collectively, we gain maximum benefit from everything we do.

“All the lads are training hard and the new boys are fitting in well.”

Two pre-season games have been announced so far — Barrow away on February 2 and Swinton at Whitebank on February 9.