Costin’s lads get started

OLDHAM RL's new under-20s squad will kick off their league campaign at Leigh Centurions next Friday (7.30pm).

The match was originally scheduled for the following day at Leigh Sports Village, but Leigh asked for the change

Phil Costin's team will now play the first of its 14 games in the Championships under-20s Merit Table at the ground of amateurs Leigh East — another change requested by Centurions.

The Roughyeds' senior squad, meanwhile, will officially launch their season at Whitebank on Wednesday night, when supporters can meet the players and coaching staff.

Their opening game follows at North Wales Crusaders in the Northern Rail Cup on March 3.

Each player in the 22-man group will be presented with his squad number and jersey. Admission is free.

The 819 fans who saw Oldham retain the Law Cup with a 22-20 win at Rochdale provided Spotland with a bigger attendance than five of the seven Kingstone Press Championship matches on the same day.

More fans watched the pre-season derby clash than watched Championship games at Batley, Doncaster, Hunslet, Swinton and Whitehaven.