Naylor’s warning

Oldham Rugby League boss Scott Naylor has warned his side will have to up their game to keep hold of their current pole position in the league.

Three of their next four matches are against teams who were in the Championship last season - and the other brings rejuvenated Newcastle Thunder to Whitebank.

Roughyeds go to Barrow Raiders on Saturday (6.30pm kick off), and in the next few weeks play Stanley Gene’s Thunder at home, Keighley Cougars away and North Wales Crusaders at home.

Naylor said: “If we play anything like we did against Gloucester we’ll be staring down the barrel at four losses, not four wins. That’s a big challenge for the lads now, and well they know it.”

Club captain Lewis Palfrey suffered a dead leg in the second half against Gloucester, but the club will be working on him in the hope that he will pull through for Barrow on Saturday.

Kenny Hughes, Steve Roper, Adam Clay and Richard Joy were rested last Sunday as part of Naylor's rotation policy, but all four are expected to be back in contention by weekend.