Hungry for more: Farnworth vows to lead from front in 26

Oldham prop Owen Farnworth says the squad is driven to produce even more in 2026, admitting that last season's playoff defeat to Halifax has prompted a pre-season of hard work ahead of January's new campaign.

The powerful front row produced another impressive year at Roughyeds, falling out of the side before winning his place back with a series of dominant displays.

And Farnworth hopes the new-look squad can provide even more reason for fans to cheer in the New Year.

"You can't move on if you carry results with you," Farnworth told Roughyeds TV.

You just have to get better. We now have a squad of experience - I am getting Jack Ormondroyd's input and have played with Ted (Chapelhow) on and off for 10 or 11 years. There are older boys and younger lads and I really think we are going to bond this year and gel nicely."

Oldham have been boosted by the arrival from Down Under of hooker Cole Geyer and back row Jaron Purcell, with prop Ewan Moore arriving soon.

"I am enjoying pre-season and it is fun seeing the Aussies in the cold," said Farnworth.

I can't wait to get back playing. Pre-season is tough as I'm leaving the house at 20 past seven and getting back in at 20 past 10 at night, so they are long days on training days but it is going to be worth it at the end of the year when we hopefully win the league.

Year on year I have got better and better at Oldham. I have gone two years without injuries and the only time I have dropped out is when I fell out of favour. I am just happy that I got back in the squad at the end of the season and was involved with the lads again. The season didn't finish the way that we wanted it to but at least I was a part of the squad and am a part of this squad going into this year.

I one hundred per cent think we had a good season last season but it could have been even better. I had many seasons at Widnes where we didn't make the top six. To come straight up and be in the playoffs is really good - it is class. But we wanted more and that just drives us to be better this year.

I love the fans and going to see them after the game and their chants. I just can't wait to get back out there playing."

Owen is available to sponsor for the forthcoming 2026 Championship season, email jac.davies@roughyeds.co.uk for more information.