Long to rotate his title-winning squad but Yei is set for surgery

Sean Long will rotate his title-winning squad against Cornwall this weekend but has confirmed that prop McKenzie Yei will undergo surgery on a knee injury that has delayed his Roughyeds debut.

The giant Papua New Guinea forward was close to an Oldham debut against Newcastle earlier this month, but after consultation with a specialist the decision has been taken to undergo surgery now so that he is back available for a full pre-season.

"McKenzie saw the specialist this week and unfortunately he needs an operation so we are going to get that done as soon as possible and get him back for pre-season," Long told Roughyeds TV.

"So it's good and bad news - it's only a six-week injury so we will get him back for pre-season, working hard and fighting for us in the Championship where we will need him because he is a big body."

Long also confirmed that the versatile Logan Astley has been sidelined by a hamstring injury but could return this weekend against Cornwall in a squad likely to show several changes to the 17 that defeated Keighley to clinch a first league title since 2015.

"Logan tweaked a hamstring just before Keighley so was unavailable but he is back in contention this week. Some of the lads want to keep on playing as they are in a good place and headspace at the moment, but I want to give all the lads a run who have been with us on this journey, so Jumah Sambou, Cian Tyrer and Ben O'Keefe will hopefully be featuring this week."

Long oversaw training on Thursday at amateur side Higginshaw, the latest of the club's open training session which has so far featured Waterhead, Saddleworth and St Anne's.

"It was a good, fun session coming off a tough game against Keighley. Coming down to local communities and clubs helps us give something back to the town and see the next generation of Oldham players."

Fans have been urged to attend in good number this Sunday, as they have done all season, to welcome home the newly-crowned Betfred League One champions for the first time.

The game kicks off at 1pm and will feature a party-atmosphere lunch-time build up in the Fans' Bar at Boundary Park, including live music and dance performances and special interview appearances from chairman Bill Quinn and managing director Mike Ford. Supporters are advised to arrive early for what promises to be a special day.