We can challenge people - McNally

The 2023 Betfred League One season got underway at the weekend and Gregg McNally believes Oldham can go all the way this year as he lauds the strength of the squad.

Roughyeds have to wait slightly longer and return to League One action on March 5 due to West Wales’ withdrawal.

Whitehaven-born McNally believes the key to success is not “getting ahead of themselves” and underestimating sides.

The 32-year-old is no stranger to success, having won the Championship Grand Final with Leigh in 2014 as well as reaching the Championship One Grand Final with Oldham in 2010 in his first spell at the club on dual-registration.

“I think we’ve got the squad that can challenge people and go as high up the table as we want,” he said.

“We can’t get ahead of ourselves; I think we fell in love with ourselves after the Widnes game.

"We played well against a good championship side and pushed them all the way.

“After that, we were rusty in the Rochdale game and against Wigan academy, but I’m glad it has happened now rather than later on in the season which might have cost us in the league.

“If you don’t come with the right attitude and the right commitment, no matter who you play, I think you can get turned over in this league.”

McNally - a member of the leadership group - has settled in at Oldham fast, made easier by the fact he is good friends with captain Martyn Ridyard and has played with and under head coach Stuart Littler.

“I know what Stu was like as a player, and I know what he wants as a coach, so he’s helped me settle in well. I know what he expects of me, and I know exactly what my role is,” he said.

“It’s one of the things that excited me about coming to Oldham.

"He likes his sides to play an expansive game of rugby and that brings out the best in me.”

The full-back slots naturally into leadership roles and captained Rochdale Hornets last year after Sean Penkywicz’s departure, as well as having similar roles at Leigh.

“Nothing fazes me in terms of those roles," McNally added. 

"I like having my own opinion and I voice it in the changing rooms and to the lads.

"It’s not a criticism when I say things, it’s always to make the team better.

“I feel like I’m getting on a bit now at 32, so I can pass on that knowledge on to the younger players and hopefully make them excel.”

There were three games in yesterday's opening batch of League One fixtures.

Dewsbury Rams triumphed 38-18 at North Wales Crusaders, while Doncaster edged out Hunslet 18-16.

Midlands Hurricanes thumped Cornwall 40 points to six.

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