Reliable duo praised by Naylor

Date published: 10 April 2014


WHEN Scott Naylor was appointed Oldham's head coach in the autumn of 2012 his first signing was a little-known youngster from Widnes Vikings who had never played senior rugby.

Just 21, Josh Crowley was determined to show he had plenty to offer and Naylor's powers of persuasion did the rest. Since then, Crowley hasn’t looked back.

As a forceful second-row forward he has played in every Oldham game since his debut in last season's opener - 29 appearances in a row, with 19 wins, two draws and eight losses.

In Championship One only David March of Hunslet Hawks can match that - though only one behind on 28 is Crowley's Oldham team-mate, Dale Bloomfield.

"Both Josh and Dale are very consistent," said Naylor, while getting ready for two league games in five days against Gateshead Thunder at Whitebank on Sunday (3pm) and Hunslet Hawks away on Good Friday (2pm).

"Josh was outstanding last year considering he came straight out of academy rugby. He is even better this time round, filled out and stronger. I see no reason why he can't go on and play Championship rugby or maybe even Super League.

"Dale is one of the jokers of the team. He is also a good lad to have around; very good at his job and a player who rarely makes a mistake."