Local lads will be up for Stags challenge

LATE NEWS: Tomorrow's match has been postponed

STEVEN Nield and Tom Whitehead will be keen to show up well for Oldham RL under-20s tomorrow against Hemel Stags at Whitebank (2pm).

Of the 17 Roughyeds youngsters on duty, locals Nield and Whitehead are the most likely contenders to be considered for first-team calls should the need arise at the top of Championship One over the next few weeks.

New signing Whitehead will play at full-back against Hemel, with Nield on the right wing.

Phil Costin’s boys won 48-0 at Hemel in mid-May, but coach Costin expects a much more competitive game this time.

He said: “As there is no Championship One rugby this weekend, Hemel will be in a position to field a much stronger side.

“On top of that they took a bit of stick when they failed to fulfil their fixture here on June 22, so they will feel they have a point to prove. I think they will come with the strongest side they can.

“That’s what we want because we are trying to emulate the first team in terms of fitness and the type of rugby we play and we need to be seriously challenged.”