OLDHAM are poised to continue their strong form when they face strugglers Newcastle Thunder at Boundary Park this Sunday, writes Kasey Smith.

Thunder are winless and rock bottom of League One having lost their financial backer prior to the start of the season.

It has been a tough period for the side which once had ambitions of reaching Super League as well as having a burgeoning academy set-up.

Their biggest achievement this season has been fielding a side each week after they originally announced they would be withdrawing from the competition following their relegation from the Championship.

But, with the League One trophy in their sights, Oldham will not be taking them lightly.

Roughyeds are heavy favourites having registered 74-0 and 60-6 victories over the Thunder side, coached by former Super League stand-off Chris Thorman.

Named in last week’s 21 man squad, McKenzie Yei – who seems to be a fan favourite before even stepping foot on the field – is expected to make his Roughyeds debut having done well since returning to full contact training.

Yei’s return comes at a good time after last week’s 32-0 win over Midlands where Oldham lost Taylor, Sidlow and Gallagher all through injuries.

Captain Jordan Turner is set to make his 400th appearance this Sunday in a career which began in 2006 at Salford.

The 35-year-old centre has been a solid performer for Oldham this year, scoring 11 tries in 17 appearances, as well as being a consistent assist-maker for Cian Tyrer earlier in the season and now for Kieran Dixon.

Elsewhere, North Wales – who gave Oldham a scare earlier on in the season – play title-challengers Keighley.

A win for Crusaders, presuming the Roughyeds also win, would give Oldham a five-point lead and render Keighley’s title chances all but over, albeit still mathematically possible, going into the last four games of the season.