Oldham skipper Lewis Palfrey wants Whitebank fortress

Oldham are looking forward to the new season and want to make their Whitebank home a real fortress, according to new skipper Lewis Palfrey.

The 22-year-old halfback is relishing his role as captain, and thinks that the Roughyeds will benefit from having recruited from Super League clubs in the close season.

“On a personal level, it’s gone great,” he told Love Rugby League

“I’ve been training hard, and I’ve been rewarded with the captaincy of the club, which I’m very proud about.

“As a squad, on the whole, it’s gone really well. We’ve got a facility called Oasis Acadmy, which has a 3G pitch.

“So there’s been no interruptions because of weather, and we’ve been able to train right through.

“So we’re bang on schedule and can’t wait to get going.”

The Roughyeds have added to their squad in recent months, with two players in particular coming in from Super League clubs.

Both 19-year-old prop Callum Marrriott, at Salford City Reds last season, and Josh Crowley, from Widnes Vikings, are among several young players expected to do well at Whitebank this season.

“We’ve recruited really well,” Palfrey added.

“We’ve got a young team, so we’ll be keen. We’ve got a couple of good lads in who’ve come from a full-time environment, and that only has a positive effect on us.

“Callum’s a prop from Salford. He’s been training really well and he’s one to keep an eye out for.

“Josh was full time at Widnes last year, and he’s going really well in training too.”

Palfrey is also confident that Oldham can use their home stadium to their advantage, as it is a tough venue to visit.

“I’ve played there twice before against Oldham, it’s a tough place to go,” he said.

“Not many teams will look forward to coming and playing against us there, so hopefully we can use it to our advantage.”