Roughyeds are ready for lift-off

COME ON OLDHAM: fans celebrate the victory over Hull KR

GIANT-KILLERS Oldham are looking for a big pay day in the sixth round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup.

And chairman Chris Hamilton is banking on the spin-off from the 36-22 win at Hull KR to provide the club with a higher profile, extra support and more money.

Banging the drum for professional rugby league in the town, he said: “We’ve made people sit up and take note of Oldham RLFC.

“We’re kicking and screaming and punching way above our weight.

“Opportunity knocks now for people to get involved with us, whether that means going to matches as a fan or getting involved in other ways.

“The more that happens, the more we can produce on the field.”

The sixth-round (last 16) draw will be broadcast live on Radio 4’s Today programme from 8.30am on Thursday.

Interviewed last night on BBC television's regional news programme, the Oldham RL chief said: “It’s good to get some well-deserved profile and, on the back of it, we’ll hopefully get more fans, more sponsors and, maybe, some investors.

“We are not the richest club and we have to fight tooth and nail for everything we do.

“Hopefully, we’ll draw a big club in the next round and get some money in while all enjoying a great day out.

“Scott Naylor (head coach) has already touched on what we would like from the draw — the tie that will give us the most money — but I’ve been involved a long time and the days when I would work out who we wanted most have long gone because it never works out like that.”

Earlier, he told League Express: “I've thought for a while that something has been happening at this club. This is another example. We need to harness it and make the most of it. It's a special club.

“Our fans were terrific too. They weren’t massive in numbers, but they were awesome in the way they got behind the lads.

“To see Hull KR fans applauding us whenever we scored a try was something that will stay with me for a long time.”

The BBC also featured the Roughyeds’ humbling of Hull KR's full-time professionals on their late-night Super League Show with pundits and former Test stars Iestyn Harris and Robbie Paul.

Oldham-born Harris, a dual-code international who captained Leeds Rhinos and lifted the Cup at Wembley at the height of his playing career in rugby league, said: “Oldham deserve enormous credit. When Hull KR came back at them and got to within eight points their defence was awesome.

“Anything can happen in the Challenge Cup — that’s why we love it — but Oldham’s was the best and biggest upset for a long, long time.”

ROUGHYEDS are acquiring footage of the tie from Hull KR and selling DVDs at £15. To order, ring the club on 07904898177.