Crook remains a doubt for Bulls test

Oldham RL head coach Scott Naylor

A final decision on Paul Crook's fitness for Oldham's big game against Bradford Bulls at the Vestacare Stadium (3pm) on Sunday will be made tomorrow (Saturday).

The goalkicking half-back is battling against a foot injury, which prevented him for training last night.

"A decision will be left until Saturday," said coach Scott Naylor, who confirmed that Crook was the only doubt and that everyone else was fit, ready, and raring to go.

When Crook's injury forced him out of last week's York game at half-time, Gareth Owen switched to half-back and Luke Hooley took over as goalkicker.

Naylor has urged Roughyeds fans to turn up in force so that the Vestacare Stadium won't be entirely taken over by Bradford's travelling army.

Looking ahead to a crucial game for both teams, he said: "If we play like we did last week at York, but not as loose with the ball in attacking positions, it should be another close game.

"You don't win close games in the first ten minutes; you win them in the last ten minutes.

"The team that completes most sets and concedes the fewer penalties will win; it's going to be that sort of a game.

"We had loads of self-belief at York and with a bit more luck and a bit longer to play we could have pulled it off.

"I expect a similar type of game and we have to remember that the only difference between York being top of the league and us being down in fifth place was the number of close games they've just edged and the number we just lost.

"It's been a season of fine margins and if we both play well on Sunday it should be another close one which will perhaps be decided on the last ten minutes."

Turnstiles open at 1pm and fans are urged to get to the ground early to avoid late congestion at the turnstiles.

The match is NOT all-ticket, but tickets can be bought in advance up until 3pm today (Friday) from the Roughyeds office inside the ground, cash or cheque only.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.