Winger Will Oakes made a try-scoring return to the starting line-up in Monday’s Betfred Championship epic at Barrow Raiders, crossing for our second in his first match since victory at London in March.
The former Hull KR and Dewsbury man said it was great to be back in action before pointing to the selection choices Head Coach James Ford now has after Brad Ward and AJ Towse proved able deputies in his absence.
“It’s good to be back in the team. From a personal standpoint, I’m just glad to be back out there playing again and obviously it’s great to get the win as well.
“It’s always good for a coach to have a bunch of players he can choose from and it’s also good for me to have competition to keep me on my toes, push me to be my best and then we’ll see who gets in the team!”
Since returning to the club he had previous spells with in 2018 and 2019, Oakes and fellow winger Joe Brown have shown themselves to be real workhorses on the flanks for the Knights. Modestly, Oakes admits it’s just part of his role.
“That’s what the modern day winger has to do – work hard, make the yards and help the boys up the field.”
Going over on the left flank for his try, Oakes was the beneficiary of good work from captain Chris Clarkson.
“It’s fun playing outside Clarky. He’s got great skill for a back-rower so I’m glad to be on the end of that skill to go over for some tries.”
Reflecting on the team’s showing on Monday, Oakes hailed the desire from the seventeen to get the two points before nodding to a good coach trip home.
“It wasn’t our best performance skill-wise but, in terms of effort and working for each other, it was right up there. That’s what got us the win.
“It was a long trip home but there’s was a lot of singing and good fun!”
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