Oldham to host champions Wigan in January

League 1 champions Oldham will host Super League and World Club champions Wigan at Boundary Park in a mouth-watering pre-season friendly on Sunday January 19th.

The Warriors will provide formidable opposition in the second pre-season outing for Sean Long's men, who will also face local rivals Rochdale for the Law Cup on January 12th before entering the Betfred Challenge Cup on January 26th. The Championship season then kicks off at home to York Knights on Sunday 16th February, with season tickets selling fast under unprecedented demand.

The exciting Wigan fixture now completes the schedule for head coach Sean Long, who cannot wait to get a look at his new-look squad.

"It is a fantastic opportunity for our lads to go up against the best team around right now and see where we are at too, ahead of a huge season for the club," said Long, who could well come up against a familiar face in young forward George Hirst. The back rower signed for Wigan after a breakthrough 2024 season for Oldham, but will be back on loan with the Roughyeds for 2025.

Oldham faced a largely reserve Wigan side in a friendly two seasons ago, emerging 40-22 winners thanks to four tries from Joe Hartley.

Matt Peet's side won every domestic honour in 2024 including the Challenge Cup for a record 21st time, underlining their status as the best rugby league team around. They will open their Super League title defence at home to Leigh Leopards on Thursday, February 13th.

The game will mark another exciting opportunity for fans to see a resurgent Oldham side featuring new signings Josh Drinkwater, Adam Milner, Matty Ashurst, Gil Dudson and Iain Thornley ahead of the Championship season.

With tickets expected to sell well, supporters are advised to book early to secure their seat.