UTILITY back Kyran Johnson, who hasn’t played since a heavy Challenge Cup defeat at Widnes Vikings in February last year, is included in Oldham’s provisional 21 for Sunday’s clash with third-placed Bradford Bulls at Bower Fold.
Experienced prop Jode Sheriffe, whose only other appearances were in pre-season, is also recalled to the 21, as is Irish international Danny Bridge, who has missed the last two games because of a knee injury.
They come in for John Hutchings and the injured Declan Gregory and Tommy Brierley.
Squad: D Abram, J Abram, Barran, Bent, Bridge, Charnock, Dupree, Fletcher, Green, Hartley, Holcroft, Ince, Johnson, Kirk, Langtree, Nelmes, Owen, Pick, Reilly, Roberts, Sheriffe.
The injured list includes Ben Heaton, Dave Hewitt, Phil Joy, Jack Spencer as well as Brierley and Gregory.
This is Oldham’s first 21-man squad to be announced since the renowned Brian McDermott, the most successful coach in Super League history, joined the club four days ago in a coaching consultancy role.
Bradford boss John Kear, another big name in rugby league, has an injury list that includes star half-back Danny Brough plus Billy Jowitt, Jordan Lilley, Jack Sanderson, Matty Dawson-Jones and Levy Nzoungou.
London-born Joe Keys, who has played for Ireland, has been signed on short-term loan to replace Brough, returning to the club where he played in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Playing at stand-off, he was man of the match in last week’s win against Batley Bulldogs, but he will miss the injured Lilley, who also had a big game against Bulldogs as his half-back partner.
Bradford (from): Brown, Burton, Crossley, Doyle, England, B Evans, R Evans, Flanagan, Fleming, Foggin-Johnston, Gallager, Hallas, Hamlett, Keys, Murphy, Oakes, Pickersgill, Race, Scurr, Rooks, Walker.
Tickets for round one of a fabulous sporting Sunday — Oldham Rugby v Bradford followed by THAT football final later in the day —can be purchased online via our ticketing page until the cut-off point at noon on Sunday.
The game is also streamed on Our League, free to Oldham season-ticket holders, and only £4.95 for everyone else if purchased before midnight Saturday
Squads
Match Officials
- Referee: B. Milligan
- Touch Judges: A. Billington, R. Cox
