Ryan’s the centre of attention

OLDHAM RL will take their first look at young centre Ryan Ravenscroft in the under-20s derby game at Rochdale tonight (8pm).

Brought to the club by assistant coach Lee Spencer, 20-year-old Ravenscroft is from the Salford area and was formerly with the City Reds academy.

Scrum-half Sam Singleton, who trains with the first team on the strength of his impressive performances at this level, and back-row forward Niall Bradley, who made his senior debut last Sunday in the 30-22 win against London Skolars, will also play.

Among the substitutes will be 18-year-old prop Rhys Wareing of Saddleworth Rangers, who has shown up well in his three previous outings for Roughyeds.

In their first outing since May 17, the Roughyeds youngsters will be seeking their third win in four games, having beaten Halifax at home (35-18) and Hemel Stags away (48-0) before going down 36-24 to York City Knights at Whitebank.

Coach Phil Costin said: “We are moving in the right direction as a team.”