Up and at ‘em, says Thompo

Photo: Dave Murgatroyd

Liam Thompson

LIAM Thompson says Oldham need to be fast out of the blocks against Featherstone Rovers and do what they usually do best – win the ruck.

Reflecting on last week's disappointing 14-6 defeat at Whitehaven, 'Thompo' said there was no lack of effort within the squad and the home side deserved a lot of credit for their hard work in defence.

"We had plenty of sets on their line, but we couldn't break them down," added the 25-year-old.

"We lost the ruck a bit, too, and that's very unusual for us. Also, our line speed and contact in defence were not as good as in previous games and that made a big difference.”

NUMEROUS

A key member of the Roughyeds pack, the workaholic Thompson has played in all but one of Oldham's 12 games this season, seven times off the bench and four starts – two at loose-forward and two in the second row.

In each of the three Championship wins at Bower Fold – against Dewsbury, Batley and Sheffield – he was in the starting 13 at second row or loose.

He's also been called on to do a shift in the front row on numerous occasions off the bench; a forward who will muck in anywhere for the good of the team.

He has played loose forward for most of his career with Wigan, Widnes and Oldham and it was in that position that he operated for Roughyeds when the Championship rookies were beaten 20-6 at Featherstone in only their fourth game after winning promotion from League One.

"We know what we did wrong at their place," said 'Thompo'. "We gave them too much respect and we didn't start well.

"This time, we need to start strong, get in their faces early and play like we did against Batley, Sheffield and Hull KR in the cp.

"We need to hit them with a fast line speed, control the rucks and out-enthuse them: that comes naturally when you get opponents on the back foot."

Far from proving a distraction to the battle to hold their own in the Championship, the Cup run will prove beneficial for club and players alike, said Thompson.

"The club needs the revenue and the players get the opportunity to test themselves against Super League opposition,” he said.

"Despite losing at Whitehaven, we've grown in confidence after our win at Hull KR and I'm sure that will stand us in good stead in the weeks and months ahead.”