Naylor attacks RFL decision

Oldham coach Scott Naylor has hit out at the two-game ban on prop Michael Ward while Workington Town‘s Jarrod Sammut escaped suspension.

Ward plead guilty and has been banned for using his elbow on Sammut in the 32-20 defeat to Workington, while the Australian halfback was cautioned for a dangerous thrown in the same match on Adam Clay.

Oldham claim Clay has suffered a serious shoulder injury which has put him out of action for two weeks.

“I’m told everything is black or white and it has to be like that in pursuit of consistency,” Naylor said.

Oldham claim that Ward’s reaction was triggered by Sammut’s attempt to hold him down after the tackle, thus preventing a quick play-the-ball at a time when Roughyeds were two points down and attacking strongly.

“It’s a bit strong,” Naylor said.

“We get to the Super 8s and lose one of our best forwards for two games for trying to get somebody off him after the tackle, which is part of the game.

“Adam Clay won’t play either because he was spear tackled, but that didn’t warrant a suspension.”

“I’m told we have to stick by the rules because everything is black and white so that we get consistency. That’s what I’m told.

“As always, we have to fight on. We don’t seem to get much luck in things like this but we have to accept it, battle on and get through it.”