Thunder roll in for final game in Oldham warm-up
OLDHAM have completed their pre-season schedule by adding a fourth and final warm-up fixture against Newcastle Thunder at the Vestacare Stadium.
It means Roughyeds will begin the programme with an away trip to Barrow Raiders on January 13, which is followed by the Law Cup clash with Rochdale Hornets at home and Swinton away on consecutive Sundays before Thunder roll into town.
The north east side are expected to challenge for League 1 glory in 2019 after recruiting some big-name players.
Halfback Liam Finn has joined from Wakefield Trinity, while French international Remi Marginet has followed suit, along with Misi Taulapapa and Keal Carlile from Featherstone Rovers.
There will also be a familiar face for Oldham fans in the Thunder ranks - Kieran Gill has linked up with the club on a seasonlong loan deal. The Castleford Tigers back has spent time on loan with Roughyeds in each of the last three seasons.
“Thunder are among the favourites to finish top because of the money they’ve spent,” said Oldham coach Scott Naylor.
“It will be anything but a friendly and it will provide both teams with an opportunity to look at each other before we start the real thing.
“I wanted a run of tough games and they don’t come much tougher than playing Championship sides like Barrow, Rochdale and Swinton on successive Sundays.”