THERE have been a number of changes at Oldham this year, not least the departure of team chief Sean Long amid a change of role for Mike Ford, who is set to bring his considerable coaching experience in both rugby league and union to bear.
His title might be director of rugby, but he looks set for a hands-on role running the playing side alongside new assistant coach Callum Irving, although the set-up could change if it is felt necessary.
While pleased to finish fourth on their return to the Championship, Oldham will have been hugely disappointed by their early play-off exit at home to Halifax.
The intention is to step up a gear, mount a genuine title challenge and underline the club’s credentials for a Super League berth.
Former Wakefield winger Matty Russell brings plenty of know-how, Papua New Guinean forward Emmanuel Waine some power and Australian trio, hooker Cole Geyer and backrows Ewan Moore and Jaron Purcell plenty of promise.
Oldham also have new outside backs in Jake Bibby and Tom Nisbet.
One to watch
A real stand-out amid some pretty good company in 2025, Australian halfback Josh Drinkwater is likely to be just as important to Oldham in his second season since switching from Warrington Wolves.
The 32-year-old was a high-profile arrival in the wake of promotion from League One, and didn’t disappoint the Oldham faithful, racking up 10 tries and 60 goals in 28 matches and setting high standards not just on the pitch, but in training.
Squad: 1 Jack Walker, 2 Kieran Dixon, 3 Ben O’Keefe, 4 Ben Davies, 5 Jake Bibby, 6 Morgan Smith, 7 Riley Dean, 8 Jack Ormondroyd, 9 Matty Wildie, 10 Owen Farnworth, 11 Matty Ashurst, 12 Ryan Lannon, 13 Adam Milner, 14 Cole Geyer, 15 Ted Chapelhow, 16 Ewan Moore, 17 Emmanuel Waine, 18 Jaron Purcell, 19 Harvey Makin, 20 Matty Russell, 21 Tom Nisbet, 22 Iain Thornley, 23 Josh Drinkwater, 24 Marcus Geener, 25 Sam Littler, – Gil Dudson
Ins: Tom Nisbet (Townsville), Jake Bibby (Huddersfield), Ewan Moore, Cole Geyer (both Burleigh), Jaron Purcell (Redcliffe), Emmanuel Waine (Bradford), Matty Russell (Wakefield), Sam Littler, Jack Walker (both Salford), Harvey Makin (Wigan, loan)
Outs: Jumah Sambou (Hull KR), Elijah Taylor, Brad Gallagher, Éloi Pélissier, Jack Johnson (all released), Mo Agoro (Hunslet), Cian Tyrer (Midlands), Jay Chapelhow (Widnes), Ethan Ryan (Bradford), Matty Foster (York), Ben Forster (Halifax), Mathieu Pons (Toulouse), Bailey Aldridge (Hunslet), Pat Moran (North Wales), Ryan Brierley (retired)