'Tyson a great lad and a great player'

MEET AND GREET...Oldham RL players line up before the fans' signing session at Spindles Town Square

SCOTT Naylor has tipped George Tyson to be better than ever when he returns to Oldham's side after his four-match ban.

The centre missed Roughyeds' 26-10 win against Sheffield Eagles in the first of 30 matches that will determine where Naylor's men finish in the final Championship table.

And he will sit out the next three games against Featherstone Rovers away, London Broncos at home and Hull KR away - some of the toughest of the year.

Coach Naylor said: "We've got real quality running through the squad, and there's a lot of good things to come.

"Everybody is going to get game time. That's what we've been aiming for and if all goes according to plan it's going to be exciting.

"I think a lot of George Tyson and he's very much part of that plan. He's a great lad and a great player.

"He is, shall we say, a little bit different, but on his day he's unplayable.

"As far as his latest disciplinary issue was concerned there were certain things off the field that contributed to what happened.

"When he's available to play again, I'll guarantee he'll be one of the best players in the team.

"Tuoyo Egodo, who made his debut on Sunday, is another exciting prospect, but he's only 19 and like most lads of his age he has a lot to learn.

"It was his first run-out for us after only a couple of training sessions with us, but he did well and I'm really pleased for him.

"This division is as tough as it's ever been - no doubt about that."

Oldham are fourth in the table after the first round of games and the TotalRL website says victory over Sheffield was the perfect way to silence those who had tipped them to struggle.

Oldham's next game at Bower Fold is on Sunday week, February 19 against London Broncos when ORSA will be putting on one of its popular pre-match buffets in the hospitality suite.