It's five days and counting until Roughyeds return to action

After a four month pause, fans have just five days left to wait until Oldham return to action against Widnes Vikings.

By the time the lads step foot onto the pitch at the Vestacare Stadium on Sunday (January 22) at 3pm, it will have been 132 days since Roughyeds were last in action.

The squad has gone through a number of changes since the 38-24 Play-off Eliminator loss to Rochdale Hornets in September.

Widnes, a strong championship outfit coached by veteran John Kear, will provide a stern test for the lads in the first warm-up game of pre-season.

After bringing in experience across all positions, as well as retaining those who impressed last year, head coach Stuart Littler will have a welcome dilemma over the next few weeks in deciding his best 13.

Said Littler: “Everybody will get a crack and we’ll see where we are at.

"It’s about repetition now and getting those combinations together and making sure they become second nature when under fatigue and under adversity.

“It’s going to be a tough challenge; they are a championship team that have recruited well and have got aspirations to be in the mix for the run to Super League.

“It’s going to be a challenge for our boys, but it’s one we embrace, and it’ll be good to see where we are at as a collective and see how together we are.”

One of those retained for the 2023 Betfred League One season is Kian Morgan who went down a storm last term after winning the Rising Star award as well as Fans’ Player of the Year.

Twenty-one-year-old Morgan scored 11 tries in 15 appearances and is looking to build on that this year.

Said Morgan: “I’m really excited to finally start playing again, especially with the new lads that have joined so we can see where we are at.

“I played quite a few positions last year, but I will play anywhere the coach wants me to and do whatever benefits the team.

"I do obviously have preferred positions, such as fullback and centre, but I will do what’s best for the team.

“I feel like I’m growing in strength and stamina and I’m excited to see where I can progress to; I’m constantly asking questions and pushing myself.

‘I’m only a young lad, I’m nowhere near my prime yet and I can’t wait to see where I will be eventually.

"The best is yet to come.”

Admission prices are £12 for adults, £3 for students and FREE for under 16s, with a transfer to seats in the stand costing £1 extra.

You can purchase them on the Roughyeds' ticketing page.

Matchday hospitality is available at £30 per head.

Please call the office on 07904 898177 or email: enquiries@roughyeds.co.uk to book.

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