Roden set for his swansong

NEIL Roden will wear an Oldham RL jersey for the 297th and final time in his testimonial game at Whitebank on Sunday.

His final fling is sure to be a winner because the popular half-back, a fan-favourite over more than 12 seasons, will play half a game for his Roughyeds’ Legends’ side and the other half for an Oldham Select XIII.

“Either way I can’t lose,” smiled 34-year-old Roden, who will bring the house down if he can extend his club record-try haul of 113 by turning back the clock and scoring again.

He added: “I owe a lot to the lads in both teams, with whom I share some fabulous memories, so I’ll split my time between the two, always providing the old legs will stand up to it.”

After the game Roden plans to raffle off his old No 7 jersey, worn in his swansong season.

Among the ex-Oldham players to promise their support for ‘Rats’ on his big day are Ricky Bibey, Chris Clarke, Lee Doran, Mick Fogerty, Mark Brocklehurst and Oldham RU club’s Gareth Barber.

Martin Crompton, captain of the Oldham club in its Super League days, will be in charge of the Legends’ side before facing a Q and A session in the social club after the game.

Scotland coach Steve McCormack, whose father Jim was a Watersheddings centre in the 1960s, will look after the Select XIII.