Hull KR challenge can wait — Naylor

Scott Naylor: currently more interested in league performance

“FIRST things first” was Oldham coach Scott Naylor’s reaction today to a fifth-round Ladbrokes Challenge Cup draw against Hull KR at the KC Lightstream Stadium.

The Roughyeds’ trip to East Hull and Super League opponents will be on the weekend of April 16, but before then the side has four important Championship games, three at ‘home’ in Stalybridge.

Halifax come to Bower Fold on Friday, Batley Bulldogs visit on April 3 and Sheffield Eagles follow on April 10. The only away game is against Swinton Lions at Sale RU Club on Easter Monday.

“We’ve got big games coming up before the next round of the cup,” said Naylor. “Right now, my focus is on Halifax on Friday.

“We would have liked an easier cup draw than Hull KR away, but it is what it is so we will have to deal with it. There’s nothing much else to say about it, certainly not now.”

Club chairman Chris Hamilton added: “With due respect to Hull KR and the Challenge Cup competition, we have a lot on our minds before we go over there.

“When you draw a Super League club in the cup you don’t know whether to laugh or cry. It’s a massive challenge for our players, not least in physicality. We’re playing against full-time players in some Championship games, but there’s a big difference between them and Super League players.”


Fifth-round draw details —

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats v Sheffield Eagles; Hull KR v OLDHAM; Toulouse v Leigh Centurions; Rochdale Hornets v Widnes Vikings; Hunslet Hawks v Salford Red Devils; Halifax v Lock Lane; Batley Bulldogs v Featherstone Rovers; Dewsbury Rams v York City Knights.

One of the ties, still to be announced, will be shown on Sky Sport on April 16