Naylor predicts instant riposte

Photo: Dave Murgatroyd

OLDHAM'S Scott Leatherbarrow attacks the Toulouse line

OLDHAM coach Scott Naylor expects another reaction to a heavy defeat from his players, after being swept aside by Toulouse, writes MATTHEW CHAMBERS.

George Tyson (hamstring) and Ben Davies (calf) come into contention for the double-header which starts with the visit of Swinton to Bower Fold on Good Friday.

Brushing off any notion that his side were excused by the hot conditions and long trip in the south of France, Naylor said that while putting the duo into the fray at Stade Ernest Argeles would have been a step too far, they are both likely to feature against Swinton or at Halifax three days later.

"George was a risk and if he had played, there was the chance he could have missed all of Easter," Naylor said.

"There was no point me bringing him as I have 19 fit lads and the team I put out was near-enough the team that played against Bradford and beat them.

"Ben Davies has a calf problem and because we flew out on Friday is was too risky.

"I am expecting both those lads to be available for one of the games at Easter."

With Oldham ninth in the Kingstone Press Championship table, the immediate goal now is to raise the performance level once again, as against Bradford following the 50-10 loss at Batley.

"We are a realistic club and I am a very realistic coach. If I come here and win at Toulouse, that to me is as big as what we did in beating Bradford.

"Alongside Hull KR, this is the toughest place you can come to. But you can get beaten and play well and be proud of what has happened on the field.

"Now, the Easter period asks questions of us. We have Swinton at home and I 100-per-cent have belief we will play to our maximum against them.

"Then it's Halifax away and the last few times we have been there, we have been in the game."