Match Preview: Oldham vs Rochdale

This Good Friday is derby day as Oldham take on Rochdale, with both sides also competing for the Law Cup (3:45pm kick-off). 

The game is now kicking off slightly later to allow those watching the Standard Cup Final at Oldham Rugby Union the chance to get to Bower Fold, ahead of kick-off.

Oldham have remained unbeaten against Rochdale since 2022 and have not suffered a Law Cup defeat since 2020.

Team News

Max Wood could be set to make his Roughyeds debut having joined the club on a short-term one-week loan deal from Warrington Wolves.

Alan Kilshaw has named the same squad as last week with the addition of the young prop who has made 28 appearances for the Wolves so far.

Ewan Moore is still following the RFL's Return to Play protocols following his failed HIA against Catalans.

Squad in full: 1. Jack Walker, 2. Kieran Dixon, 3. Ben O'Keefe, 4. Ben Davies, 5. Jake Bibby, 6. Morgan Smith, 7. Riley Dean, 9. Matty Wildie, 10. Owen Farnworth, 11. Matty Ashurst, 12. Ryan Lannon, 13. Adam Milner, 14. Cole Geyer, 15. Ted Chapelhow, 18. Jaron Purcell, 21. Tom Nisbet, 23. Josh Drinkwater, 24. Marcus Geener, 26. Brad Day, 27. Bayley Liu, 28. Max Wood.

The Opposition

Rochdale come into the game with a spring in their step having secured a 35-10 win over Goole Vikings to end a run of four-straight defeats.

Hornets had a bright start to the campaign winning their opening three matches, but came unstuck against Whitehaven, Sheffield and Midlands.

Like Oldham, Rochdale have eight points but have played two more games than Roughyeds.

Hornets finished 6th in League One last year, winning and losing nine games each.

TJ Boyd, the ex-Leigh winger, has been in good form since signing for the club ahead of the current season, with him scoring ten tries in as many appearances.

And in the past week, Rochdale have further bolstered their squad with ex-Swinton hooker George Roby and prop Chris Barratt joining the Hornets.

Merchandise

Our mobile shop will be back in operation this Sunday, selling replica shirts and brand-new, limited edition black and amber anniversary scarves and pin badges.

Tickets and access

Ticket prices are as follows.

Adult £20
Concession £18
Under 18 £5
Under 12 Free

Hospitality tickets are still available and can be purchased on our ticketing site.

Both card and cash payments will be accepted at the turnstiles for those supporters wishing to pay on the day.

Fans can secure their place at Bower Fold, ahead of the game, by purchasing tickets here.

Media coverage

There will be audio-only commentary of the game this Sunday from 3pm via this link.

Matt Horton will be in the hotseat with George still off. The free stream will be up and running from 3:40pm, live from Bower Fold. Make sure you are following all of our social channels for to not miss a moment of the action.

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 Bower Fold on Friday afternoon - Let’s hear the Roughyed Roar!