Roper relishing Leigh encounter

UP AND RUNNING: Oldham’s Steve Roper.

POPULAR Oldham RL scrum-half Steve Roper is looking forward to testing himself against 2014 Kingstone Press Championship kings Leigh Centurions on Sunday.

Roughyeds could face a fearful battle in their second pre-season warm-up fixture. But former Rochdale ace Roper (28) is relishing the prospect, having seen the Centurions at close quarters during the winter.

Roper said: “It’s going to be really tough. Leigh had a great season last year. It’s going to be about us doing our things right, though. “If we knuckle down, work hard, complete our sets and defend well, then hopefully we’ll do all right. It’s going to be a good test for us, but it is one we’ll enjoy.”

Roper was generally satisfied with Oldham’s performance in their opening clash at Swinton Lions, when the visitors showed up well despite losing George Tyson and Nathan Mason to red cards following a second-half brawl.

Roper added: “For the majority of the game I thought we were the better side. There were a few little errors and we perhaps gave away a few too many penalties in the first half. But we can take a lot out of that game.”