Match Preview: Oldham vs Widnes Vikings
04/09/2026
The business end of the season is upon us, and Oldham are looking to secure their first second-tier play-off victory since 2002 when they take on Widnes Vikings at Boundary Park this Sunday.
It has been a hugely successful campaign for the Roughyeds, with Alan Kilshaw guiding the club to their highest league finish in nearly 30 years and earning home advantage in the Qualifying Semi-Final as a result.
Victory on Sunday would send Oldham down to London the following week, where they would face the Broncos once again after their dominant win over the capital side last month.
Key Roughyeds men Ted Chapelhow and Cole Geyer – recalled from his loan spell at Huddersfield earlier this week – have been speaking to Roughyeds TV ahead of Sunday's showdown, with both interviews available to watch here.
With the sides having traded blows throughout the season, another fiercely contested encounter awaits at Boundary Park.
Oldham's end-of-season offer, allowing under-16s to attend for free, has also been extended for Sunday's play-off clash. With a big crowd expected, supporters are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance.
Team News
Alan Kilshaw has made a number of changes to the squad which made the short trip to Rochdale last week.
Having been brought back from his season-long loan spell with Huddersfield early, Cole Geyer goes straight into the squad with the hooker set to make his first appearance at Boundary Park.
Lukas Mason has been made available to the Roughyeds this week and the prop could make his second appearance for the club, having featured on dual-registration last year – also against Widnes.
Having served his two-game ban, Jake Bibby comes straight back into contention while Bayley Liu sits out the next two games for his misdemeanour in the Salford win. The other to drop out is Fin Irwin.
Hear from Roughyeds boss Alan Kilshaw who has spoken to Roughyeds TV, ahead of Sunday's game.
Squad in full: 1. Jack Walker, 3. Ben O'Keefe, 4. Ben Davies, 5. Jake Bibby, 6. Morgan Smith, 7. Tom Forber, 9. Matty Wildie, 10. Owen Farnworth, 11. Matty Ashurst, 12. Ryan Lannon, 13. Adam Milner, 14. Cole Geyer, 15. Ted Chapelhow, 21. Tom Nisbet, 23. Josh Drinkwater, 26. Brad Day, 29. Luke Forber, 31. Tanē Bentley, 33. Josh Simm, 35. Noah High, 36. Lukas Mason
The Opposition
The Vikings edged Oldham 18-12 in a narrow victory when the sides first met earlier this season.
The Roughyeds, though, gained their revenge in emphatic fashion at the DCBL Stadium in the reverse fixture at the end of June, setting the scene for another intriguing encounter this Sunday.
Widnes head into the clash having featured in their second 1895 Cup Final, where they narrowly missed out against London Broncos.
The Vikings possess plenty of firepower out wide, with wingers Ryan Ince and Mike Butt having scored 19 and 18 tries respectively across all competitions this season.
There is danger elsewhere, too, with former Super League half-back Danny Richardson pulling the strings and hooker Matty Fozard having crossed for ten tries this year.
Ticket information
Supporters are strongly encouraged to book their tickets in advance of matchday to avoid disappointment.
Prices are as follows:
Adult £20
Concession £18
Under 18 £5
Under 16 Free
For those who wish to purchase on the day, tickets will be available via the blue portakabin opposite the Athletic Store.
Media coverage
There will be full match commentary of the game on Roughyeds TV with George Riley hosting.
The stream will be scheduled for 14:55pm with mics not going live until players enter the field, ahead of kick-off.
As well as listening in, make sure you are following all of our social channels to not miss a moment of the action.
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We can't wait to see you back with at Boundary Park on Sunday afternoon - Let’s hear the Roughyed Roar!