Joy-ous occasion for family

PHIL Joy's younger brothers, twins Andy and Richard, will make their Whitebank debuts tomorrow night when Oldham under-20s face top youngsters from Super League club Salford City Reds.

The Joy twins (19) hope to emulate Phil (21), who is enjoying a terrific first season in the Roughyeds' promotion-seeking senior side.

Like Phil both are forwards, but while Phil played for Waterhead as a junior, the twins grew up at Saddleworth Rangers.

"Andy played well at loose forward in our last game at Rochdale, but this will be the first time the twins have played together for Oldham," said coach Phil Costin.

Among other local players in contention are stand-off Paddy Fitzsimmons and 18-year-old Saddleworth prop Rhys Wareing.

Costin's cubs have won three of their last four games in the Championship Under-20s division, but they will face a tough test against table-topping Salford.

As Oldham's Super League partner club, they could include players who have turned out for Oldham on dual registration, or who may do so in the future.

Costin will finalise his team at training tonight in consultation with senior coaches Scott Naylor and Lee Spencer