Match Preview: Salford vs Oldham

Oldham open the 2026 Betfred Championship season on the road at Salford on Friday night, looking to start in style against a rebuilding host.

Roughyeds secured a top-four finish last season and will look for more of the same in 26, starting with a big performance against an unknown quantity, with Salford hastily putting together a new squad following their fall out of Super League.

Team News

Roughyeds name a strong 21 for the short trip around the M60.

Several new faces are set for Oldham debuts, including former Super League stars Jack Walker and Jake Bibby.

Australian imports Cole Geyer and Jaron Purcell are both included, as are youngsters Marcus Geener and Sam Littler.

Ewan Moore and Emmanuel Waine are not yet ready, while Matty Russell isn’t risked after injury and Iain Thornley continues his recovery.

Assistant coach Alan Kilshaw discusses preparations for the new campaign in his latest interview with George here.

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, 8. Jack Ormondroyd, 9. Matty Wildie, 10. Owen Farnworth, 11. Matty Ashurst, 12. Ryan Lannon, 13. Adam Milner, 14. Cole Geyer, 15. Ted Chapelhow, 18. Jaron Purcell, 19. Harvey Makin, 21. Tom Nisbet, 23. Josh Drinkwater, 24. Marcus Geener, 25. Sam Littler.

Roughyeds will face Salford in their brand new blue away kit, with replica shirts available now for supporters to purchase from the online shop here.

The Opposition

Salford are a club in transition after the devastating fall into turmoil in 2025, and subsequent rebirth under the guidance of club legend Ryan Brierley - Oldham’s full-back at the end of last season.

Their current playing squad has been speedily recruited over the past few weeks, and nobody really knows quite what to expect from them.

One thing is for sure, the passionate crowd will be back out in force and a real derby day feel can be expected.

Tickets and access

What a great fixture to start the season!

Ticket prices are as follows and are subject to a £1.50 booking fee per ticket purchased.

Adult £20
Under 18 £15
Under 12 £5
Under 2's Free

For disabled/carer tickets,  supporters are required to email ticketoffice@salfordcommunitystadium.com

Oldham supporters will be positioned in sections W01 and W02.

Tickets can also be bought on the day from Salford’s ticket office (card only) but these are always slightly more expensive - each ticket will be £3 more.

Media coverage

We are proud to have one of the best away supports in the league and are again looking forward to seeing as many Oldham shirts as possible at Salford this Friday.

If you are unable to make the trip then don't worry - we will do our best to bring you the best possible coverage from our media team.

We will have our exclusive live audio-only commentary on our Roughyeds TV YouTube page from 8pm, and make sure you are following all of our social channels for immediate reaction.

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 in Salford on Friday night - Let’s hear the Roughyed Roar!