Match Preview: Oldham v Rochdale

Oldham seek their first win of 2025 with the renewal of a fierce local rivalry, as Rochdale Hornets head to Boundary Park to contest the Law Cup.

The rearranged fixture will finally go ahead after freezing temperatures prevented the scheduled January 12th game, and the weather also thwarting the match last year. It marks a quick turnaround for Sean Long's side who hosted Super League champions Wigan three days ago, losing out in an entertaining contest 28-16.

Then it is on to Betfred Challenge Cup duty this coming Sunday when Rochdale Mayfield are the visitors for a 12:30pm kick-off.

Team News

Long will rotate his squad following the Wigan fixture, with a couple of the changes enforced. Captain Jordan Turner and forward Lewis Baxter are both being assessed after leaving the field with hamstring injuries at the weekend, and neither will play this week.

Adam Lawton, Brad Gallagher and McKenzie Yei were the players to miss out against Wigan and all three will continue their recoveries from injury this week and will not be considered for selection.

Winger Mo Agoro came off the bench to produce the highlight moment on Sunday, with a sensational defensive effort to chase back and deny Jack Farrimond an intercept try and both Agoro and Cian Tyrer are expected to start this week.

Former Hornet Ben Forster is in line to play against his old club, while the headline team news could see an Oldham debut for teenage Waterhead star Marcus Geener.

Rochdale will have some familiar faces in their squad, including the likes of Emmerson Whittel, Jordan Andrade and Zac Baker and will hope to produce the kind of performance that ran the Roughyeds close last season, a late Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e try ultimately giving Oldham a thrilling win away from home.

That was one of three meetings between the sides in 2024, with the Boundary Park League 1 fixture proving a little more comfortable as Oldham won through 54-6, and the two sides also met early on in the 1895 Cup at Boundary Park, Oldham winning that one 38-12.

Match Experience 

Pre and post-match entertainment in the Broadway Suite for Pie & Peas ticket holders will include exclusive insight from our star signings Josh Drinkwater and Gil Dudson!

Guests will also see post-match player presentations and interviews, plus have bar access and free tea and coffee.

Our Fan experience will start with live music in Bar 1895 from resident band Boundary Parkas before host George Riley delivers the all important team news and talks to new Roughyeds signings Adam Milner, Matty Ashurst and Iain Thornley ahead of kick off.

Post-match the trophy presentation and Player of the Match will be awarded in front of the Joe Royle Stand so please stay in your seats after the final hooter.

Access

Only the Joe Royle Stand will be open to fans for this fixture, with all tickets purchased valid for entry.

We will have four turnstiles open, including two cash turnstiles at either end of Joe Royle. Fans wishing to pay by card on the day can do so by purchasing tickets from Bar 1895.

See you tonight!