Ashurst: Let’s go one better

Roughyeds forward Matty Ashurst has urged the Oldham fans to get behind the side as they bid to produce an even better Championship campaign in 2026.

The veteran back row admits that the home playoff defeat by Halifax took some of the pride away from an impressive 4th placed finish at the end of a first season back in the Championship, but believes the squad has what it takes to build on the platform they have laid in the past two seasons.

"2025 had a disappointing end and took the shine off the year as a whole, but for a new team back in the Championship it was quite successful," Ashurst told Roughyeds TV.

The way we went out of the playoffs was really disappointing as we put a lot of work in up until that point, only to lose it in one game.

Now we have a new season with a new format and are looking ahead. We let the playoff game get away from us. If you let things snowball it can be too hard to claw back. We will be better for the experience and hopefully we will be back there again next year and put in a better performance."

Ashurst has revealed that new signings Jake Bibby and Tom Nisbet have already integrated well into the squad at the start of pre-season, admitting that his goal is to produce an injury-free year after the frustration of 2025.

"Getting flogged in pre-season is the hardest time but it is an important time as the work we do now stands us in good stead for the season going forward.

This is my 18th pre-season and I'm still learning. The new boys have settled in well in the first week. All through last year we had a good feeling and a good group of lads and I'm sure the new lads will add to that group.

I have always wanted to be consistent in my performance and hopefully I can do that again this year. I struggled with a few niggles at the end of last season so I want a full season and to make the playoffs again and go one better."