OLDHAM RLFC will face a Wigan Warriors Academy side on Sunday in their third and final game of pre-season, writes Kasey Smith.

Entry for the fixture, to be held at Ince Rose Bridge, will be free but donations to the Club are welcome and fans should note it is a 1pm kick off.

Oldham have been working hard behind the scenes to secure another pre-season match to make sure the club is ready for the forthcoming season.

With Roughyeds’ League One season starting two weeks later than everybody else, and no competitive fixture before the Challenge Cup game due to the withdrawal of West Wales Raiders, this fixture will provide an extra test for Stuart Littler’s men.

The Wigan side, coached by former Leigh Centurions boss John Duffy, will be a mix of Reserve and Academy players.

Roughyeds boss Stuart Littler said: “Any Wigan team that is put on the field will be a formidable side. I saw the side they put out against Barrow, it was a very strong side.

“It’s been difficult because the Championship and Super League have started up again, but this match will be a very useful exercise.

“The game allows us to give our lads some more game time ahead of our first competitive game against Doncaster against last year’s best reserve side.”

The young Warriors were a formidable outfit in 2022, going unbeaten across the season and winning the Grand Final 40-12 against Wakefield Trinity.

In pre-season this year, the side overcame championship Whitehaven 22-14 but lost to Barrow Raiders 26-14, who last year reached the play-offs.

Said Warriors Academy head coach, John Duffy: “It’s another opportunity for us to play against experienced opposition and a well coached side.

“It’s also a last opportunity for everyone to get some game time and a last run out before both teams go into their respective seasons.”