Match Preview: Widnes Vikings vs Oldham
18/09/2026
Roughyeds head to the DCBL Stadium for a sudden-death play-off showdown with Widnes Vikings on Sunday, with a place in the next round up for grabs.
The Vikings edged Oldham in week one of the play-offs, and Alan Kilshaw’s side will be heading to Cheshire determined to get their revenge and keep their season alive.
There has been little to separate the two sides throughout the year, and Sunday’s clash promises to be another closely fought encounter.
Widnes were unable to overcome Newcastle Thunder last week, meaning there is no second chance for either side this time around – defeat will bring the curtain down on their season.
Team News
Alan Kilshaw has made a couple of changes to the side which gained a big win over Midlands Hurricanes last weekend.
Having served his two-match suspension, Bayley Liu is back in the side and available for selection.
Liu is joined by Lukas Mason who is back in the side having starred for Wigan's Reserves last Saturday in their 42-0 Grand Final victory over Warrington.
The two that drop out are Valu Tanē Bentley and Emmanuel Waine.
Squad in full: 1. Jack Walker, 3. Ben O'Keefe, 4. Ben Davies, 5. Jake Bibby, 6. Morgan Smith, 9. Matty Wildie, 10. Owen Farnworth, 11. Matty Ashurst, 12. Ryan Lannon, 13. Adam Milner, 14. Cole Geyer, 15. Ted Chapelhow, 18. Noah High, 21. Tom Nisbet, 23. Josh Drinkwater, 26. Brad Day, 27. Bayley Liu 29. Luke Forber, 30. Fin Irwin, 33. Josh Simm, 34. Lukas Mason
The Opposition
The DCBL Stadium has been something of a fortress for the Vikings in 2026, with Allan Coleman’s side losing just twice at home across the campaign.
One of those defeats came against Oldham, who ran out 28-10 winners in June, while London Broncos claimed a narrow 42-36 victory in the other.
Last week’s defeat to Newcastle Thunder was finely poised at half-time, with the hosts leading 14-12. However, Thunder capitalised on an early error after the break to take control of the contest.
Widnes will be without hooker Jordan Johnstone after he failed his HIA during the defeat and was subsequently ruled out of Sunday’s game.
Sam Wilde and Nick Gregson were also forced off with injuries during Widnes’ win over Oldham a fortnight ago. Neither featured in last week’s trip to the North East, but both are expected to be available for selection this weekend.
Ticket information
Prices are as follows:
Adult £20
Concession £18
Under 18 £12
Under 12 £5
Under 5 Free
Supporters should book tickets in Block B via the link below.
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.
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We can't wait to see you back with at the DCBL Stadium on Sunday afternoon - Let’s hear the Roughyed Roar!