Roughyeds ready for ‘higher level’

Oldham RL will play their home games at Stalybridge Celtic’s Bower Fold

PREPARATIONS are complete and it’s all systems go for Oldham RL as they kick-off their new adventure in the Kingstone Press Championship on Sunday.

Fans will travel to Stalybridge’s Bower Fold stadium hopeful their fully-focused team will get off to a perfect start against London Broncos.

The glorious victory in the League One promotion clincher against Keighley last September will seem a distant memory for some - particularly the players, who have put in some serious work in all weathers during the close season.

Oldham coach Scott Naylor said: “Pre-season has been tough, as always, and it’s been five or 10 degrees colder than anywhere else in the country, but we’ve managed to do every single session as planned.

“The lads have been fantastic. From day one of pre-season, the players have looked at this as a huge challenge and it is exciting them. They’re just looking forward to being a Championship team. That’s a big thing for them, and we’re proud to be at that higher level.”

The Broncos are one of four full-time professional outfits in rugby league’s second tier, so will offer a big test of the Roughyeds’ credentials.

Winger Adam Clay, Oldham’s top try-scorer last season, will be fit to play after recovering from a groin injury.