Match Preview: Rochdale vs Oldham

A win would make it 21 victories for the Roughyeds in what has been a remarkable campaign on the field.

Oldham are guaranteed to finish at least third which would represent the club’s best league finish since dropping out of Super League in 1997.

Having recently toppled the Broncos, Roughyeds head into the knockouts full of confidence – but first they must overcome the Hornets.

Oldham have only won their last two visits to Rochdale by four points and –particularly after last week’s narrow escape against Salford – know they will need to be at their best if they are to come away with the points.

Alan Kilshaw has named a largely unchanged squad from the one which edged past Salford last week.

New loan signing Lukas Mason is unavailable, with the youngster set to feature for Wigan’s reserve side this weekend, and thus drops out of the squad.

Jake Bibby serves the second and final game of his suspension and will be back available for selection when the knockouts begin.

Ewan Moore continues his recovery from recent head knocks, while there are no new injury concerns for Kilshaw to contend with.

You can hear from the Oldham head coach later this evening (Friday), as he previews the game on Roughyeds TV.

Squad in full: 1. Jack Walker, 3. Ben O'Keefe, 4. Ben Davies, 6. Morgan Smith, 7. Tom Forber, 9. Matty Wildie, 10. Owen Farnworth, 11. Matty Ashurst, 12. Ryan Lannon, 13. Adam Milner, 15. Ted Chapelhow, 21. Tom Nisbet, 23. Josh Drinkwater, 26. Brad Day, 27. Bayley Liu, 29. Luke Forber, 30. Fin Irwin, 31. Tanē Bentley, 33. Josh Simm, 35. Noah High.

The Opposition

Rochdale have endured an indifferent campaign on their return to the Championship, with the Hornets set to finish outside the top 10.

Following a 28-18 defeat to Hunslet last time out, Rochdale will be looking to end the season on a high in front of their supporters.

Oldham have not lost to their local rivals in four years, and another victory on Sunday would make it 10 consecutive wins for the Roughyeds, including the Law Cup.

Recent meetings at the Crown Oil Arena have been much closer, however, with little to separate the sides on their last few visits.

Rochdale’s top two try-scorers, TJ Boyd and Max Flanagan, have been among the Hornets’ most potent threats in recent weeks, with both men having crossed in their last few outings.

Ticket information

Tickets for this game are on sale via the Hornets ticketing page.

Prices are as follows:
Adult £18
Concession £13
Junior Free

Supporters must select unreserved seating – and not try to purchase via the seating plan – and then purchase from the away section.

Media coverage

There will be full match commentary of the game on Roughyeds TV with George Riley hosting.

The stream will be scheduled for 14:55pm with mics not going live until players enter the field, ahead of kick-off.

As well as listening in, Make sure you are following all of our social channels to not miss a moment of the action.

Please subscribe, follow, like, comment, share and engage with our media content that we are so proud to have to rival any throughout rugby league - it all helps with our IMG score too.

We can't wait to see you back with at the Crown Oil Arena on Sunday afternoon - Let’s hear the Roughyed Roar!