PLT and Hirst return for Championship opener
Date published: 14 February 2025

Oldham host York Knights at Boundary Park tomorrow afternoon. Image courtesy of ORLFC
Oldham boss Sean Long has named his squad as Roughyeds make their eagerly-anticipated return to the Betfred Championship against much-fancied York Knights at Boundary Park tomorrow afternoon (Sunday).
Roughyeds head into the season opener with confidence high from last weekend’s Challenge Cup win over Barrow, and looking to build on last year’s stunning League 1 title success that brought the crowds flooding back to Oldham.
But in Mark Applegarth’s Knights the first opposition could not be more fierce, with Long making some big selection decisions for the big kick-off.
You can watch an exclusive behind-the-scenes episode of The Boundary Line, with Long and assistant coach Joe Wardle previewing the new season by clicking here
Team news
It is another strong 21-man squad for the visit of York with the headlines seeing Super League loan stars George Hirst and Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e brought straight back into contention after returning from a full pre-season with Wigan Warriors and Hull KR respectively.
Star winger Mo Agoro though misses out after reporting a niggle following the Barrow game and will not be risked.
Captain Jordan Turner remains absent with a hamstring injury, while Logan Astley, Adam Lawton, Brad Gallagher and McKenzie Yei continue to work their way back to full fitness.
Oldham 21-man squad to play York:
2. Kieran Dixon, 4. Iain Thornley, 6. Danny Craven, 7. Riley Dean, 8. Gil Dudson, 9. Matty Wildie, 10. Owen Farnworth, 11. Matty Ashurst, 13. Adam Milner, 14. Bailey Aldridge, 15. Jay Chapelhow, 16. Pat Moran, 17. Elijah Taylor, 18. Jumah Sambou, 19. Ted Chapelhow, 20. Jack Johnson, 21. Lewis Baxter, 23. Josh Drinkwater, 24. Ben O'Keefe, 30. George Hirst, 31. Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e
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