Roden ushers in a fresh dawn for Oldham
Reporter: Matthew Chambers
Date published: 05 August 2009
RENAISSANCE man Martin Roden has sensed a change of attitude at Oldham in recent weeks.
The 29-year-old club conditioner, cousin of stand-off Neil, was suddenly brought out of a two-year retirement following an exodus of players before the Dewsbury game two weeks ago.
Playing from the bench, Roden did his bit as Oldham battled to a 38-8 defeat at the Co-operative Champions One runaway champions.
And he was at it again on Sunday, this time even managing to get on the score sheet — thanks in no small part to a brilliant dummy of Hornets full-back Mark Brocklehurst — as the Roughyeds put in one of the finest performances of the season against their old derby foes, winning 48-28 to set up an exciting run-in which starts tomorrow night against London Skolars at Boundary Park (7.30pm kick off).
“I nearly fell over that line,” joked Roden, who played under Oldham coach Tony Benson at Leigh in 2006.
“It is always good getting a try, particularly on your home debut.
“The only reason I retired in the first place was that I opened a gym near me in Hindley.
“Running that meant I had to commit a lot of time to it and be near it.
“When the call came from Tony asking me to take on the role of conditioner here at Oldham this season, I just came along to do that job.
“Tony is a very positive guy and it all stems from him. I feel like I have been given a new lease of life — I am saying more in training and really enjoying things.
“I am glad to be playing at the moment and am keen to carry on, if selected.”
Tonight's clash is a catch-up game for the Roughyeds. A bumper crowd — all of whom are asked to wear something pink in exchange for only paying a minimum of £1 to exit the ground — should be present to see Benson’s men attempt to overhaul York and climb into second place in Co-operative Championship One against the strugglers from the capital.
Whatever the result at the end of the night, Oldham will be level on games played with the Knights, with a must-see head-to-head between those two sides yet to come in two weeks’ time.
The current belief at the club, shared by Roden, is that the corner has now been turned and that promotion via the Grand Final is a distinct possibility.
“Looking around after Dewsbury, I think we are better than everyone else,” added Roden, whose last professional rugby came in the 2007 season at Blackpool.
“If you look back across the year, you haven’t seen many of our players slapping each other on the back in games.
“Then when Rat (Neil Roden) caught (Rochdale winger) Leroy Rivett and tackled him into touch, five or six players came over to congratulate him.
“It was the same with my try — though it felt like everyone on the pitch had come over.
“I think everything that has been going on has galvanised us.
“Sometimes, if you are not in the side you are in the shadows.
“But if you are not in the 17 on match day, you should always be thinking you should be in that 17.
“Maybe those players who are in now aren’t the most skilful, but effort and enthusiasm goes an awful long way in this game.
“We have built a bit of momentum now and we are easily capable of going all the way. It is just a matter of staying positive.”
