Learning curve for Oldham

SCOTT Naylor will have a full squad of players for Sunday’s Northern Rail Cup game against Gateshead Thunder at Whitebank (3pm).

The side came through the impressive 26-10 win against derby rivals Rochdale Hornets injury free, leaving only long-term casualty Liam Thompson unavailable.

Naylor’s men take on the Tynesiders on the back of three wins out of four, so there will be no shortage of confidence.

But the Roughyeds boss insists his young squad is still on a “massive” learning curve, because 12 of the 22 players are new and four of the remaining 10 are newly elevated from the reserves. Only six players from last season are still nvolved.

Naylor said: “It’s nice to be coaching a bunch of lads we brought together last October and November.

“They have worked extremely hard since day one.”