THERE is a real competitive edge in training, according to winger Nick Rawsthorne.
During pre-season, the Oldham side has been split into two teams aimed at driving standards and applying pressure to perform well.
Rawsthorne, who joined Roughyeds mid-way through last season, believes the squad is a level above this term.
“We had a good squad last year, but here is a new level of professionalism that has been brought in – even the younger lads are a lot more professional than what I’ve experienced before in the past” he explained.
“It’s really competitive in training with there being team A and team B – I’ve been in the second team and it’s not nice, but it just drives standards.
“Everybody turned up to pre-season in decent shape and we’ve been able to do exactly what we need in terms of on-field work.
“Despite there being a load of new faces, we’ve gelled really well. We’ve all been brought in to fit a certain type of player and have similar personalities.”
Pre-season training has been focused around building pressure and not trying to score on every play.
The Oldham side, during sessions, have been practising being quick and aggressive off the line to force errors.
With such a strong squad this year, the Halifax-born winger believes the biggest stumbling block will be complacency.
“Everybody in League One will look at us as their cup final, which means we cannot ease off at any point this year,” he added.
“I experienced this playing at Toronto, and we just have to keep our foot on the pedal every single game.
“If we think any game is going to be easy, that is when we will come unstuck.
“I think we will be okay though, because if somebody does have an off-game, somebody is ready to step in and there is real competition in the squad.”
Roughyeds are back in action this Boxing Day to take on Keighley Cougars at Cougar Park, 1pm kick off.
Tickets are priced at £18 for adults, £15 for concessions and free for under-16s and can be purchased at the Cougars’ ticket page.
