Thirteen new boys on show for Oldham

Oldham RL Club's head coach Matt Diskin will play 13 new signings in tomorrow's (Saturday) friendly at Featherstone, the Roughyeds' first game in more than a year.

The one missing new boy will be utility forward Shaun Pick, who has a calf strain.

Diskin has confirmed that every fit and available player in his 29-man squad will get a run-out at The Millennium Stadium (kick-off 1.30pm).

It will be played behind closed doors due to Covid.

Several players are carrying knocks and sitting out this one are forwards Jack Spencer (bruised ribs), Pick (calf) and Matty Wilkinson (broken leg), as well as backs Kyran Johnson (calf), Cam Leeming (hamstring) and John Hutchings (unavailable).

Squad: Abram, Barran, Bent, Bridge, Brierley, Charnock, Dupree, Fletcher,  Green, Gregory, Hartley, Heaton, Hewitt, Holcroft, Ince, Joy, Kirk, Langtree, Nelmes, Owen,  Reilly, Roberts, Sheriffe.

Wearing Oldham colours for the first time will be Barran, Brierley, Dupree, Green, Gregory, Hartley, Holcroft, Kirk, Reilly, Roberts and Sheriffe.

Heaton, Nelmes and Ince are also new signings, although all three have played for Roughyeds previously, Ince while on loan at the start of last season before the lockdown.

Jode Sheriffe was also signed last season, but he damaged a knee in training and didn't make his debut before the season was curtailed.

He has since joined the coaching staff while still registered as a player.

He is still waiting for surgery on the knee, but he has come through pre-season training successfully and may be given a run-out.

Covid restrictions have held up his operation, but he is due to have it soon.

Said Diskin: "The two friendlies against Featherstone and Halifax will be extremely good for us because both are top-level Championship clubs who have finished regularly in the top five in recent seasons.

"They are quality opponents, no doubt about that.

"Training has been a bit stop and start because of Covid and the awful weather we've had, but that's been the same for all clubs and I have to say we are generally very happy at the way things have gone.

"Despite that, you don't really know where you stand until you actually pay a game so, as I say, this one will be a good yardstick for us.

"All the new guys have settled in really well and even the most recent two, Joe Hartley and Dec Gregory, have been training with us for a while so that will be a big help too.

"It will be a big day for Joe, who is very excited about it.

"I know its a friendly, but effectively it's his first-ever game at this level and for his home-town team too so it's huge for him on a personal note. 

"All the lads are looking forward to it and are just keen to get back out on the field again."

The game will be available to watch live for free on the Rovers own broadcasting facility which is accessed via their club website.

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.