Phil heeds lessons of a difficult campaign

Phil Joy

PHIL Joy’s assessment of his form last season didn't make pleasant reading for a man who isn't used to being second best.

Whether head down in the front row or head down in his studies, Oldham's big prop usually comes up with top marks.

Coach Scott Naylor's choice as player of the year in 2013, Joy twinned rugby with revision last season to earn a masters degree in banking and finance - which led to a top job with the Yorkshire Building Society.

But the latest player to sign a new contract at Whitebank was less than happy with his performance on the field

"I was disappointed with myself. I will certainly be striving to be a lot better next season," said the 23 year old, who felt his failure to repeat his outstanding performances of the previous season was due mainly to a groin injury in pre-season.

Naylor wasn't surprised that his top gun of 2013 wasn't as explosive: "He's still young for a prop and after his huge season when he first stepped up from the reserves it was always going to be hard to back it up with similar success in year two," said the Oldham boss.

"Rival coaches remembered the damage he caused the year before and he was a marked man. He handled it well.

“Like all young forwards, he can’t afford to sit back on his laurels, but he knows that more than anybody and he will continue to push himself to go as far in the sport as he can.”

Naylor has every confidence in him to come good again in 2015, but Joy revealed that Naylor wants him to slightly change his style of play to combat close marking.