Deakin steeled for play-off glory push

OPTIONS OPEN: Roughyeds coach Steve Deakin hopes to be able to pick from a squad of 22 players as of next week.

RING rust is an unusual enemy for Oldham as the play-offs approach.

Steve Deakin's men are back in training after a week off, busying themselves for action in a much-anticipated home play-off clash against Doncaster at 'fortress' Boundary Park on Sunday week.

Win that and a further break of two weeks follows before the Grand Final is played out at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday, September 28.

With a host of players in the squad carrying knocks of one kind or another, the rest is certainly beneficial in terms of recuperation.

Due to successes in the Northern Rail and Challenge Cups, not since January has the squad had a break from the weekly round of fixtures and the gruelling schedule has taken its toll.

However, there is the argument that the best way to prepare for any game comes simply through playing.

That was shown last year as the Roughyeds used home play-off matches against Swinton and Workington to build up the confidence with which to hammer a bewildered Barrow 28-6 in a superb display at Craven Park.

At least this time around, the danger of running out of steam come the final, as the class of 2007 did against Featherstone, should have lessened considerably.

"It is hard to tell," said Deakin, when asked whether the extensive rest would be beneficial to his side's chance of play-off glory.

"Sometimes you need a break but it is never a 'yes or no' answer.

"We needed a rest, but ideally it would have arrived back in May and not necessarily now when we have three weeks off in one go.

"What we have ended up with is players playing with various bumps and bruises with many close to breaking point.

"But all we have ever been able to do is deal with the cards we have been handed and we will continue with that."

So much rides on the next few weeks. Firstly, there is the unbeaten home record to preserve, which currently stretches to 19 games — the best run since 1990.

In addition, both players and coaching staff are putting their futures with the club on the line.

Many among the squad have two-season deals, the second year of which is conditional on the club gaining promotion.

And even those who already have their hearts set on finding pastures new next year will be hugely keen to end the campaign well in front of a national and international audience.

"I am pretty confident of picking from 22 players who all know the importance of the Doncaster game," said Deakin.

"All of them want to play in Grand Finals, probably in front of a sell-out crowd at Warrington and live on Sky Sports.

"There is extra competition in the squad and you can sense it in training even now.

"Everybody is playing for contracts and we all know we are all in a results-oriented business."




Play-offs structure



Friday, September 5: Elimination play-off, York v Rochdale (8pm).



Sunday, September 7: Elimination play-off, Keighley v Workington (3pm).

Sunday, September 14: Qualifying semi-final, Keighley/Workington v York/Rochdale; Elimination semi-final, Oldham v Doncaster (winner progresses to Grand Final).

Sunday, September 21: Final eliminator, loser from Oldham/Doncaster v winner of qualifying semi-final.

Sunday, September 28: Grand Final (at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington).






OLDHAM'S annual presentation night takes place on Thursday, September 18, at the Best Western Hotel Smokies Park.



The event (7pm for a 7.30pm start) will see awards handed out for both the first team and the reserve team for their respective efforts in the 2008 season.

A four-course meal is included in the ticket price of £30 per head, or £300 plus VAT for a table of 10, while the opportunity to sponsor player awards is also available.

Contact the club offices on (0161) 628 3677 to book or to find out more.