Warrington Wolves coach Tony Smith insists his side will not be taking Oldham lightly when they travel to Bower Fold this Saturday.
The Wolves are sending a youthful side to face the Roughyeds as they look to make it to the Challenge Cup quarter-finals, with as many as 13 senior players still out injured.
And Smith told TotalRL that he is wary of an Oldham side who have hit some impressive form lately – including wins against some of the Championship’s big hitters – and they will not be taking anything for granted.
“They’re on a bit of a roll,” Smith said.
“They’ve knocked off Featherstone and Sheffield lately and they’re playing confidently. It’s a small pitch over there and it’s got a bit of a slope on it as I’m told from our rugby manager. They’ll know the surface well and home advantage is a big one but we’re sending some decent players there and we’re approaching it right.”
Smith also refused to use injuries as an excuse, saying the team he is sending is more than good enough to pick up a victory.
“We’ve still got some good bodies going out on the park.
“Benny Westwood and Matty Russell have both had shots in their ankles so they’ve added to the list. They’ll come back the following week but they’ve been playing through pain. Ryan Atkins should be back against Wakefield; he ruptured a ligament in his finger and we just need it to settle down.
“Jack Hughes has unfortunately broken a bone in his hand last week, and he’s in a pot for six weeks.
“That’s on top of all the others we’ve picked up and it’s not ideal but we’ve still going a strong squad. Kevin Penny will play fullback.”
