Oldham look to reach summit

OLDHAM RL could go top of Kingstone Press League One on Sunday if they win comfortably in South Wales.

Scorpions, who prop up the table after conceding 66 points in two games, will have to turn the form guide upside down to halt the Roughyeds’ charge.

Scott Naylor’s men will travel to Mountain Ash in second place behind Keighley Cougars, who go to Stanley Gene’s fancied Newcastle Thunder, currently in third.

It’s a measure of how competitive this new 14-club League One will be that, after two rounds, Keighley, Oldham and Newcastle, in that order, are the only ones with maximum points.

Either Keighley or Newcastle will fall at the third hurdle, giving Roughyeds a great opportunity to hit the front on points difference. They are currently 15 behind Keighley and 17 ahead of the Geordies.

Naylor confirmed after last night’s training session that he can again pick from a fully-fit squad.

Six senior players were rested from the side that beat Coventry 38-10 so his decision-making will revolve around who to leave out this time.

“I was pleased with the new boys, but I’ll probably be making some changes,” said the Oldham coach. “It’s unlikely to be the same side, though I’m still looking at all the options.”

The party to make an early-morning start on the longest trip of the season won’t be finalised until Saturday.

Naylor, meanwhile, has clarified the club’s position on squad strengthening following a report that he was looking to sign another half-back.

He said he was always on the look-out for players — and half-back was the one part of the team where there was little competition or pressure on places. But there was nothing imminent; no specific target; and no plans to make half-back a priority above all else.