Match Preview: Batley v Oldham

Oldham head back on the road on Sunday afternoon for another fierce test at seasoned Betfred Championship side Batley.

The Bulldogs secured a thrilling draw at Boundary Park earlier this season and Sean Long's men will not be underestimating the hosts as Roughyeds look to strengthen their grip on a top-four place.

Team News

Long welcomes back two key men from injury, with vice captain Matty Wildie available again after concussion protocols and forward Matty Ashurst ready to make his return.

George Hirst is still sidelined with a muscle injury, while winger Mo Agoro misses out with the knee issue that flared up in the warm-up to last weekend's game against Barrow.

New signings Ryan Brierley and Jack Ormondroyd both came through their debuts unscathed, while fellow new recruit Tom Whitehead is not yet included in the squad.

Jack Johnson scored a hat-trick against Batley at home, and earns a recall.

Bailey Aldridge and Tom Forber drop out from last week's squad, while Brad Gallagher this week joined Sheffield on loan for the rest of the season.

Riley Dean stepped up his recovery this week but remains out long-term along with centres Iain Thornley, Jumah Sambou and Jordan Turner.

The head coach discusses his selection and preparation for the Batley game in his latest interview with George here.

Squad in full: 1. Ryan Brierley 2. Kieran Dixon, 8. Gil Dudson, 9. Matty Wildie, 10. Owen Farnworth, 11. Matty Ashurst, 12. Jack Ormondroyd, 13. Adam Milner, 15. Jay Chapelhow, 16. Pat Moran, 17. Elijah Taylor, 20. Jack Johnson, 21. Lewis Baxter, 23. Josh Drinkwater, 24. Ben O'Keefe, 31. Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e, 37. Ryan Lannon, 38. Ben Davies, 39. Mathieu Pons, 40. Eloi Pelissier, 42. Morgan Smith.

The Opposition

Batley are one of the oldest and most famous names in rugby league, and remain one of the toughest away trips for anyone.

Led by experienced Challenge Cup-winning head coach John Kear, Batley come into the game off the back of a 30-10 defeat away to Widnes.

Kear has this season surpassed an incredible 700 games as a professional rugby league head coach.

The Bulldogs are 12th in the table, with three wins and two draws to their name.

Roughyeds fans will be well aware that one of those draws was at Boundary Park, when Oldham were held 18-18 in February.

Tickets and access

Tickets for Sunday can be booked direct through us. Please visit our online ticket portal here to grab yours.

Tickets are £20 adults, £5 juniors (5-17) and under 5s go free without a ticket. There are no other concessions.

Parking is generally first come first served - just approach the stadium (there is only one road in) and you will be directed where to go.

Media coverage

We have one of the best away supports in the league and are again looking forward to seeing as many Oldham shirts as possible in the stands at Batley.

If you are unable to make the trip to West Yorkshire we will do our best to bring you the best possible coverage from George and the team.

We will have our exclusive live audio-only commentary on our Roughyeds TV You Tube page from 3pm, and make sure you are following all of our social channels, on Facebook, X and Instagram, the only place to hear the first thoughts from head coach Sean Long before and after kick off, see exclusive on-the-hooter interviews with our players at the end of the game, watch try clips during matches and even hear from the players direct from the team coach on the journey home after the game.

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 with us at Batley on Sunday afternoon - Let’s hear the Roughyed Roar!