Highton’s clash of colours

PAUL Highton has his sights set on taking to the field for his upcoming testimonial game — in which he could play for BOTH teams.

The veteran prop forward, now on the books with home-town Oldham, will bring down the curtain on a 10-year association with Salford City Reds with a fixture between his old and new clubs at the Willows on Sunday, January 4 (kick-off time to be confirmed).

Having been given the all-clear following a wrist operation, Highton is busy fighting his way back to fitness and as part of his big day, may pull on the jerseys of both Oldham and Salford in the same match.

However, there is no question of this — or any other of the Roughyeds’ three pre-season clashes arranged so far — being a gentle warm-up.

The Salford match precedes a trip to face Swinton exactly a week later and a home fixture against Huddersfield Giants on Sunday, January 25.

“We are treating the game as a big test,” said Oldham chief executive Chris Hamilton, of his side’s clash with the Super League newcomers who are to jet off to Jacksonville, Florida, the week after for a challenge match against Leeds Rhinos.

“It will be a full-blown work-out for us and we will put a team out accordingly.

“With the friendlies we have got we will try to make sure everyone in the squad is given opportunities to impress.

“We have a bigger squad and more games this year, so we can treat the games as full-blown matches.

“The players have got to establish a pecking order and with more competition for places, everyone will be keen to get off to a good start.”