Coach Naylor looks for ‘huge response’ after candid meeting

SCOTT NAYLOR: wants more from his players

OLDHAM RL coaching staff and players have had a frank discussion about the poor performance at Swinton.

Post-match, coach Scott Naylor described the 28-18 defeat as the biggest disappointment in his three and a half years at the club.

The Roughyeds coach is now looking for a “huge response” against in-form Batley Bulldogs, joint leaders of the Championship, at Bower Fold on Sunday afternoon.

He said: “We had a long talk about it at training on Tuesday — hardly surprising because we had a lot to talk about. As always, we got things out in the open. Now we need a huge response against Batley.”

Utility back Jack Holmes (ankle) and second-row forward Danny Langtree (hamstring) won’t be fit, but winger Adam Clay is expected to be available after missing the Swinton game.

Naylor added: “Jack hasn’t broken the ankle, but he has serious ligament damage and ligament injuries can be tricky and complex. It’s too soon yet to put a timescale on how long he will be out.

“Langtree will be out this week, but we think he could be available for the Sheffield game on April 10. Another week off will do him good.

“A few players have bruises and niggles after two games in four days, but apart from long-term

absentees, Holmes and Langtree, everybody should be all right.”