Match Preview: Oldham v Batley

Oldham bid to build on their stunning return to the Betfred Championship with another strong home performance when Batley Bulldogs come to Boundary Park on Sunday afternoon, kick-off 3pm.

Sean Long's men produced a stylish attacking display built on its trademark resolute defence to dismantle York Knights last week but know that in the Bulldogs they face another huge test of their credentials at this level.

Both Long and chairman Bill Quinn this week urged fans to pack out Boundary Park and build on last weekend's opening attendance, with the players keen to make it a fortress this year to showcase their exciting brand of rugby league to a big audience.

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Team News

It has been another tough selection for Long as he names a strong 21-man squad for the visit of the Bulldogs.

Experienced forward Elijah Taylor, who has been terrific for Roughyeds in the early part of 2025, misses out through illness, with powerhouse winger Mo Agoro again sidelined with the groin issue that kept him out against York.

Adam Lawton is back to full fitness and gives the squad a boost with his return, while Danny Craven is included despite dropping out of the team close to kick off last weekend.

Adam Milner is clear to play despite being hit with a grade B late contact charge from the York game, he has been fined and given three penalty points on his disciplinary record.

Super League loan stars George Hirst and Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e returned last weekend after a full pre-season with Wigan and Hull KR respectively and both came through unscathed.

Captain Jordan Turner remains absent with a hamstring injury, while Logan Astley, Brad Gallagher and McKenzie Yei continue to work their way back to full fitness.

We could have a milestone on Sunday too, with goalkicking winger Kieran Dixon needing just two points to reach 1500 for his career.

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, 14. Bailey Aldridge, 15. Jay Chapelhow, 16. Pat Moran, 18. Jumah Sambou, 19. Ted Chapelhow, 20. Jack Johnson, 21. Lewis Baxter, 23. Josh Drinkwater, 24. Ben O'Keefe, 30. George Hirst, 31. Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e

The Opposition

Batley had a bye in round one and therefore come to Boundary Park for their first game of the Championship season. The Bulldogs have been going well in the Challenge Cup however, knocking out Dewsbury Rams with a comfortable 26-4 home win. Mark Moxon's side will face Leigh Leopards in round 4.
Dangermen include experienced halves Ben White and Josh Woods, with real strike right across the outside backs in Elliot Kear, Joe Arundel and full-back Robbie Butterworth.

Batley finished 10th in last season's Championship and have a very good record against Oldham - winning nine of the last 10 meetings between the two sides.
They were one of the original 22 clubs that met at the George Hotel in Huddersfield in 1895 and formed the Northern Football Union.

Match Experience

The matchday experience at Boundary Park is fast becoming an unmissable day out for friends and family and there is plenty included in the price of a match ticket - kids go free too don't forget!
Not only the exhilarating brand of rugby league being showcased on the pitch through the electric Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e, Kieran Dixon and Jumah Sambou, but in the entire day around the stadium.

Bar 1895 is our popular pre-match hub for both Oldham and visiting supporters alike. Fans are urged to arrive early to avoid disappointment, with the venue regularly reaching capacity.

The entertainment kicks off with live music from resident house band the Boundary Parkas, before host George Riley takes over at 2pm with the all-important exclusive first read of the big-match team news plus live interviews, photo opportunities and autographs with the Oldham stars not in the matchday 17.
Our legendary club mascot Roary the Roughyed will also be on hand to meet all our young - and old Roughyeds fans.

It is the perfect place to meet your friends and family, have a drink before and after the game, listen to live music, watch Roughyeds footage on the big screens, and gain real insight from the players ahead of the game.

Tickets

Match Tickets, priced at £20 for adults and £14 for concessions, free for children, will be available on the day as well as in advance online.
Fans are strongly advised to purchase in advance to secure their place.

Please note: For fans collecting Season Tickets, Sunday will be your last opportunity for physical collection at the stadium. If you are unable to then please contact the club to arrange collection.

The last few VIP Access hospitality tickets in the Broadway Suite remain, which features a pie and peas meal, bar access and free tea and coffee as well as exclusive pre-match interviews with our players, and post-match presentations including Player of the Match.
To upgrade your matchday ticket, simply select the 'pie and peas hospitality' add-on when buying online.

Access:

For hospitality - including pie and peas - we request you arrive before 2pm if you are eating.

For Bar 1895 - please note that fans can enter the stadium via Bar 1895, but there is no re-entry to Bar 1895 before kick-off once you are inside the stadium - so relax and enjoy the Bar 1895 entertainment before taking your seats.
Once the match has kicked off, fans will be able to access Bar 1895 from the stadium.
Other refreshments are available via the kiosks on the concourse.

Merch:

Roughyeds merchandise, including brand new training gear, is now being stocked in Athletic Store at Boundary Park, and fans can pop in to get kitted out on matchday too.
We have added new lines of our training gear this week.
Our popular bobble hats sold out in record time last week and have in fact sold out with supplier VX3! But rest assured we will have more in as soon as we can.

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.
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.
For our loyal fans living away from Oldham, and those unable to make the game, there will be a live audio-only commentary service available via Roughyeds TV on YouTube from 3pm.

We can't wait to see you on Sunday - Let’s hear the Roughyed Roar!