Only our best will do, says Naylor

George Tyson: injury doubt for this weekend

SCOTT Naylor has warned Oldham will face a “real grueller” on Tyneside against Stanley Gene’s rejuvenated Gateshead Thunder on Sunday.

“They’ll be full of quality players — recent signings and a few on loan or dual registration from Hull KR,” said Naylor, of a Thunder squad which North-East pundits believe has the clout and ambition to go places since a take-over by premiership rugby union club Newcastle Falcons.

“They played Hull KR’s Kris Welham at York last week, a vastly experienced Super League centre, and the word is they’re going to give a debut to a Kiwi half-back, Jordan Meads, who has come through the ranks at Melbourne Storm and New Zealand Warriors. Only our best will do.”

David Cookson, who didn’t train on Tuesday because he was suffering with a virus, was back in harness last night. In the forwards, George Tyson is doubtful, but Danny Langtree is available again after his one-match suspension.

Naylor went on: “I’ve some difficult choices to make in the pack because I liked Ben Wood’s performance last week and Liam Thompson is also ready to go after his long lay-off. I would have preferred him to have a run-out with the under-20s first, but he is certainly in the mix.”

Naylor will finalise his line-up at training tomorrow.