Diskin kicks off new era for Roughyeds in Vikings battle
OLDHAM welcome Widnes Vikings to Bower Fold this weekend as the club makes its return to the Betfred Championship.
It is the start of a new era for Roughyeds as Matt Diskin takes charge of his first competitive fixture since taking over from Scott Naylor as head coach.
The former Batley Bulldogs boss has been busy over the off-season, bringing in a whole host of new faces. But there are also a number of players remaining from the side that secured promotion with victory over Newcastle Thunder in October.
Jimmy Beckett scored the crucial try and has returned to Oldham this week on a season-long loan. He goes straight into contention to feature against the Vikings. Widnes have also been busy since the 2019 campaign ended, with highlights including the arrival of Tim Sheens as coach and Lance Todd trophy winner Matty Smith.
Swinton travel to Whitehaven for their season opener and will be confident after recording a 16-12 victory over a youthful Warrington Wolves side in last week’s final pre-season friendly.
Despite the return of reserve-level rugby, the dual-registration agreement between the Lions and Wigan is expected to continue, with some Warriors’ fringe players made available to Stuart Littler each week.
Unlike in recent years, the Lions have been able to retain a large proportion of their squad from 2019, though Matty Ashton will be sorely missed. The 21-year-old scored 25 tries in 30 appearances last season, but has joined Super League side Warrington.