Oldham announce friendly against Saints

Oldham have announced a friendly against Super League champions St Helens at Vestacare Stadium on 18th January.

Saints are involved in another friendly the next day, for Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook. Their squad will consist of players who will not be involved in that game.

As for Oldham, it will be their third friendly match before the start of the season. This match will also be the only time they play in the town this season.

Their stadium does not meet requirements, so they will be playing at Bower Fold in nearby Stalybridge.

Roughyeds chairman Chris Hamilton told the club website: “Saints approached us to play a match to give their first-team squad players a match as they have only one pre season friendly this year which is being treated as a full-blown workout.

“Some of the players who will feature against us will be well-known to fans of the game and it will be a very tough test for us against mainly full-time players.

“It is exactly what we need, ahead of a challenging season, and it means we won’t now have a three-week gap before the first league game against Widnes on February 2.

“It also gives our fans a chance to see the lads in action in Oldham, given that our first friendly was at Barrow Raiders, and the next one will be for the Law Cup and played at Rochdale this Sunday, January 12.

“With the reduction in admission prices it would be great to see as many fans as possible at the match as we welcome to Oldham one of the top rugby league sides in the world, and the best team in Super League in 2019.”

The match will kick off at 7.30pm.