Roughyeds relish test

OLDHAM RL Club chairman Chris Hamilton says players and staff alike can hardly wait for Friday’s visit of a strong-looking St Helens side.

First teamers Ade Gardner, Josh Perry, Chris Flannery, Shaun Magennis, Scott Hale, Nathan Ashe and Carl Forster will all feature in the eagerly-anticipated pre-season friendly (8pm kick-off).

Far from fearing the damage that could be inflicted by such experienced full-time players, Hamilton insists it is a test Roughyeds are going to relish.

He said: “In Gardner, Perry and Flannery they have a wealth of experience. They are people we tend to just see on the television, so the fact they are going to be showcasing their talents against our lads at Whitebank is a one-off opportunity.

“For the players and coaching staff it represents a fantastic chance to test themselves against a very strong side full of full-time professionals.

“I understand there will be quite a few Saints fans making the journey to Oldham so it should be a good atmosphere.

“When discussions first took place regarding this friendly we knew they would field a number of younger, albeit full-time players, and that there was maybe a chance some of the established squad members would figure for St Helens. Now we know several internationals are going to be involved at Whitebank.”

Winger Gardner has made 252 appearances for Saints, scoring 162 tries in the process. He has represented England and Great Britain and is on his way back from an Achilles injury.

Australian international Perry, a prop-forward joined the club from Newcastle Knights last season, while former Sydney Roosters star Flannery, who can operate at loose-forward or centre, has featured for the club on 105 occasions.

Forward Magennis featured 19 times for Saints last season, while there will also be plenty of focus on Ashe — the full-back is the brother of former Oldham player Matt Ashe.

Tickets for Friday’s friendly cost £10 for adults, with £8 concessions and £2 for under-16s. There is also the usual £2 transfer into seats on a first come, first served basis.

Season tickets aren’t valid since it is a friendly game.