Match Preview: Hull KR v Oldham

Oldham face their biggest test of 2025 so far with a trip to unbeaten Betfred Super League leaders Hull KR on Friday night in the fourth round of the Challenge Cup.

Roughyeds' first road trip of the season ended in defeat at Barrow on Sunday, and Sean Long's men look to bounce back with a bang at Sewell Group Craven Park against one of the best teams around.

Oldham scored a famous win at Hull KR in the 2016 Challenge Cup, coming away with a 36-22 win against a Rovers side that included Kieran Dixon and Iain Thornley. The pair now form part of a hungry Roughyeds squad looking for another big performance.

Team News

Long suffered injuries to half-back Logan Astley and forward George Hirst at Barrow and neither have recovered in time for the trip to Hull. Captain Jordan Turner and winger Mo Agoro are among the other key players still sidelined.

Star full-back Phoenix-Laulu Togaga'e is on loan from the Robins and therefore unable to play against his parent club.

But there is much better news elsewhere with a host of big names back in contention. Props Gil Dudson and Owen Farnworth both return to the squad, as do half-backs Josh Drinkwater and Danny Craven. Back row Matty Ashurst and centre Thornley are also named in the squad having not made it last week.

Craven is in line to make his 250th career appearance.

Squad in full: 2. Kieran Dixon, 4. Iain Thornley, 6. Danny Craven, 7. Riley Dean, 8. Gil Dudson, 9. Matty Wildie, 10. Owen Farnworth, 11. Matty Ashurst, 12. Adam Lawton, 13. Adam Milner, 15. Jay Chapelhow, 16. Pat Moran, 17. Elijah Taylor, 18. Jumah Sambou, 19. Ted Chapelhow, 20. Jack Johnson, 21. Lewis Baxter, 22. Cian Tyrer, 23. Josh Drinkwater, 24. Ben O'Keefe, 27. Ben Forster.

The Opposition

Hull KR are top of the Betfred Super League table. Last season's Grand Finalists have made another strong start to the campaign under Willie Peters and boast the only 100 per cent record in the top division after four games.

Led by Man of Steel Mikey Lewis, the Robins are a team reborn, with sell-out crowds also now becoming the norm to watch a team on the up.

They come into the game off the back of a 20-10 victory last Friday at St Helens, having also beaten Salford, Wakefield and Castleford. Their Challenge Cup run started with a 44-2 win at York Knights.

Star men include Lewis, wingers Tom Davies and Joe Burgess, half-back Tyrone May and NRL Grand Final-winning prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

New signing Rhyse Martin is out having undergone surgery on his quadricep injury.

Tickets and access

Match Tickets are £15 for adults, £10 concessions (66+ and 19-21) and £5 for juniors.
Under 16s Season Ticket Holders are free.

We have been allocated 814 tickets in blocks NSA and NSB.
To book in these areas supporters must first create an account on the Hull KR ticketing page. It is quick to do!
All Oldham season ticket holders can claim a free ticket for any child under 16.
To take this offer up, supporters will need to email kasey.smith@roughyeds.co.uk.

Media coverage

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 much more.

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For our loyal fans unable to get to Hull there will be a live audio-only commentary service available via Roughyeds TV on You Tube from 8pm. But it is no substitute for being there!

We can't wait to see you with us in Hull on Friday night - Let’s hear the Roughyed Roar!