Naylor’s total commitment

Roughyeds’ head coach Scott Naylor.

SCOTT Naylor plans to use all his 21 contracted players in Sunday’s first of three warm-up games at Keighley Cougars.

“It makes sense to give as many players as we can a run-out in the opening game,” said the Oldham coach ahead of tonight’s training session.

It isn’t known yet whether Huddersfield Giants, who play Halifax on Sunday, will make

dual-registration players available to Naylor for the friendlies. But fans will hope to get a first glimpse in Roughyeds colours of close-season captures Jamel Chisholm, Danny Grimshaw, Jack Spencer and Craig Briscoe as Naylor’s men go up against the side they beat in last season’s League One promotion final.

Cougars had a second promotion chance in the play-off final, but they were beaten again by Swinton Lions, from whom they have since signed Ritchie and Darren Hawkyard.

In another warm-up game on Sunday, Rochdale Hornets take on Salford at Spotland (3pm) before clashing with derby rivals Oldham at the same venue for the Law Cup seven days later on January 17 (3pm).

Naylor’s Roughyeds then conclude their pre-season programme at Barrow on January 24 before the big Championship kick-off against London Broncos at Bower Fold, Stalybridge on February 7.