Roughyeds seek fresh friendly test

ROUGHYEDS chief executive Chris Hamilton admits he is frustrated that this weekend’s friendly against Salford City Reds has been cancelled.

The testimonial clash for Paul Highton was set up last week to take place this Sunday, January 4, at The Willows, until the brakes were applied at the weekend.

The reason given by the Reds was that there wasn’t sufficient time to promote the game — but as far as Oldham are concerned, it was the Super League club who suggested the date in the first place.

“It is disappointing, for Paul as much as anyone,” said Mr Hamilton. “But there isn’t a lot we can do.

“Salford fly out to Jacksonville (for a training camp and friendly against Leeds Rhinos) next week and we have got other games so I can’t see it being rearranged before the start of the season now.”

Club officials are in the process of finalising another friendly which would take the Roughyeds’ pre-season total to three matches.

As it stands currently, a game against Swinton Lions at Sedgley Park on Sunday week is followed by a home clash with Huddersfield Giants at Boundary Park on Sunday, January 25, prior to the start of the season proper two weeks later when troubled Rochdale are the visitors in the first stage of the Northern Rail Cup.

Championship club Sheffield Eagles, who travel to face Oldham in the NRC, have signed a third player from the 2008 World Cup.

Samoan utility back Tangi Ropati (24) joins Papua New Guinea pair Menzie Yere and Trevor Exton in working under coach Mark Aston.

Ropati had previously been with East Tigers in the Queensland Cup.