Roughyeds face a new-look Lions

OLDHAM make the short trip to Sale on Monday to meet a Swinton Lions side which has had a huge turnover of players since the end of last season.

They finished third in League One in 2015 and then beat York City Knights and Keighley Cougars in the play-offs to clinch promotion.

Their current side bears little resemblance to the one Roughyeds beat home and away last year. New signings include centre Macauley Hallett from Hull KR, half-back Matty Beharrell from Newcastle Thunder, influential hooker Anthony Nicholson from Batley Bulldogs and prop Jordan Hand (ex of St Helens and Rochdale).

They also landed former Leeds, Hunslet and Salford Red Devils hooker Liam Hood, but he has since gone full time with Leigh Centurions and has been replaced by Vila Halafihi from Bradford Bulls.

The Lions go to Leigh tonight still seeking their first league win.

Said Roughyeds coach Naylor: “Monday’s game is a big one for both clubs, for obvious reasons. When you’re playing two games in four days a lot usually depends, in the second game, on mental strength and who is available.”