Oldham Rugby League Club has announced two pre-season games, both at the Vestacare Stadium next month.
Widnes Vikings, a strong Championship club, will be there on Sunday, January 22 (3pm kick-off) and on the following Sunday, January
29 derby rivals Rochdale Hornets will be at the Vestacare Stadium for the Law Cup, which is to be contested for the first time in three years.
Oldham and Rochdale traditionally meet pre-season in the Law Cup, but it wasn’t played in 2021 and 2022, for various reasons, so Hornets come to town at the end of January as cup holders, having won 18-12 in 2020.
Oldham boss Stu Littler said: “It’s a derby and neither side will see it as anything other than that.
“It’s always a humdinger when Oldham and Rochdale go head-to-head and this one will be given extra spice because of movement between the clubs of several players during the close season.”
Topping the bill in that regard will be the clash of half-backs Lewis Sheridan, who has transferred from Rochdale to Oldham, and David Hewitt, who has moved in the opposite direction.
Spooner back in Hyde hotseat
Palmowski eyes F1 Academy glory
United View: Reds forced to settle for a point
City Watch: Maresca smashes managerial record
