Early pointers in derby clash

OLDHAM RL fans are likely to get their first glimpse of Scott Naylor's new-look squad in the annual Law Cup clash with derby rivals Rochdale Hornets at Spotland on Sunday, February 17.

Match details have still to be finalised, but talks are well advanced and confirmation of the fixture, including kick-off time and admission prices, is expected in the next few days.

This traditional warm-up game did not take place last year, but the cup is currently in Oldham hands, the Roughyeds having won 34-28 at Whitebank in 2011.

To date, there are 10 new faces in Naylor's reshaped squad, and the coach is keen to arrange more than one run-out before the start of the season proper (a Northern Rail Cup pool tie against North Wales Crusaders in Wrexham on March 3).

But fixing them is proving more difficult than usual this year because Super League and Championship clubs start a month earlier than clubs in the third tier.