Oldham prepare for biggest game of the season

Three games in a week took its toll on what was a fatigued Oldham in last Sunday’s loss to Midlands, but the club is hopeful they can get key bodies back.

Gregg McNally, who has not featured since he was forced off against Rochdale after a hamstring strain, has scored eight tries and assisted 15 for the club this year and is recovering well.

Filling in his position have been Jordan Paga and Nick Rawsthorne and, should he return, they will be free to return to their favoured positions.

Rawsthorne has been crucial for Oldham on the wing and has scored six tries in his last three in that position – and Paga has been a revelation since stepping into the scrum-half role after Lewis Sheridan suffered a serious injury at the start of the year.

Jamie Ellis, who has yet to feature since he signed for the club in July, is also progressing well after a hamstring injury in his first training session, and also could feature.

“Recovery is going well (for McNally and Ellis) so fingers crossed we can get them back,” said assistant coach Brendan Sheridan.

“We do have a second bite of the cherry if we don’t beat Doncaster, so we will be looking at them featuring either in this game or the next one.”

Across the year Oldham have scored more and conceded less than Richard Horne’s side, but have yet to beat them.

The Dons have also been patchy in recent weeks with a 28-22 loss to North Wales, as well as a 41-10 loss to Midlands.

Sheridan, though, believes that recent form and results have no bearing on Sunday’s game.

“We have been close against Doncaster a few times, and probably should have won,” said Sheridan.

“Play-off football, though, is totally different to the league games so we need to get our preparation right – not just physically but also mentally for a tough Doncaster side.”

Admission prices for the clash are £15 for adults and £2 for 17 and under.