Vice-captain Joe Wardle has urged his Oldham team-mates to build on their big opening victory over Workington, describing the result as the standard for the season.

Barring a 10-minute spell in the second half, Roughyeds were always in control at Derwent Park as they won 48-10.

Having spent heavily in the off-season in a bid to end their three-year stay in League One, Oldham are massive favourites for the title, with bookmakers BetFred putting them at 1/6 to lift the trophy.

And Wardle, a Scotland international with a huge amount of Super League experience, wants to see Oldham not only securing victories, but doing so in style.

“The game was a good reflection of how we have trained,” he said.

“We have built it up quite intensely and we have laid down a marker of intent for this year.

“It is not just about winning, it is about making sure the fans are entertained at the same time.

“We want to set the benchmark that we are here to do business. It will be exciting and I hope we can get as many people to Boundary Park as possible.”

Wardle, who also doubles up as an assistant coach with team-mate Jordan Turner, is a vocal presence on the training field, helping boss Sean Long drive standards.

“The big challenge has been being part-time and getting used to how much you can push the boys,” admitted Wardle.

“It is a journey for the club - we’re trying to get this club back where it should be, which is back in Super League, hopefully.

“We need to keep ticking every box going, it is a good journey and everyone is enjoying it so far so hopefully we can be successful this year.

“In training the intensity has been through the roof (since the two cup losses) and we have fixed up a lot of stuff that we were getting slightly wrong.”