RL great watches Oldham at work

ADRIAN Morley, once the best rugby league forward in the world, was at Oldham’s training session last night to give the Kingstone Press League One leaders the benefit of his vast experience.

Accepting coach Scott Naylor’s invitation, the Salford and former Leeds, Sydney Roosters, Warrington and Great Britain star dropped in to watch Roughyeds at work.

Now 38, and with his glittering playing career ebbing to its close, Morley is still one of the biggest names in the sport.

Naylor said: “It was good for the boys to see one of the all-time greats taking an interest in what they were doing. He was there to give us his opinions on what we were doing and to suggest where we might make improvements.

“He was impressed with much of what he saw, especially the attitude of the players towards their training. It was beneficial to get an up-to-date view from somebody who is still actively involved in Super League and who was prepared to give up his time to join us.”

There was better news on injury victims Adam Clay (broken ribs) and Jack Holmes (strained foot), who felt much improved from early in the week. They will miss the next two games but will then be reassessed.

The Roughyeds boss thhus has 21 players to select from this weekend, including new boys Will Hope and Elliott Liku. Also ready is centre Tom Ashton, out for three months with knee damage.

Naylor will have to juggle his squad to find two replacement wingers, but he has options.