OLDHAM RLFC have confirmed a squad of 28 for the upcoming 2024 League One season, writes Kasey Smith.

Ahead of next season, significant progress has been made with the club assembling a squad of a quality that, on paper, could well fight for a play-off place in the championship.

Penning two-year deals, the likes of Craig Kopczak, Joe Wardle, Jordan Turner and Elijah Taylor bring a wealth of experience having, collectively, amassed over 750 appearances in Super League.

Coupled with that is an exciting blend of youth, hand-picked from Wigan, St Helens and Leeds Rhinos.

Managing director Mike Ford, who recruited much of the squad, gave an insight into the thinking behind the signings.

“We wanted to recruit a top-end championship team this year, regardless of the division we would be in,” he explained.

“We looked at how Keighley performed two years ago – they went up from League One with a 100 per cent win record and scored a thousand points, but came straight back down.

“When we go up next year – which we will – our squad will be shooting to the top of the championship, no doubt about it.”

Supplementing the 28-man squad will be the continuation of the dual-registration partnership with Wigan Warriors, which was revealed at the fans’ forum, last week.

Despite its unpopularity among supporters, dual-registration not only helped alleviate injury crises but also had further benefits, as evidenced by the permanent signings of Logan Astley and Kieran Tyrer for Oldham.

Likely rivals for the League One title are Keighley Cougars who have signed former Hull KR prop Will Maher, former Bradford winger Dee Foggin-Johnston and prop Lewis Hatton from Widnes, to name a few.

Elsewhere in League One, Rochdale Hornets have recruited six former Oldham players in Gregg McNally, Deane Meadows, Luke Nelmes, Tommy Brierley, Jordan Andrade and Joe Hartley.

Hornets are expected to announce further ex-Oldham players before both teams face off in the Law Cup in January – details to be announced.