2026 Opposition Insight | Oldham RLFC

10/01/2026

By Spencer Arnold

Our second opposition analysis ahead of the 2026 Betfred Championship campaign focuses on Oldham R.L.F.C.

They head into the 2026 season as one of the sides expected to be firmly in the mix near the top end of the table come the end of the season.

Finishing fourth last season on 32 points, Oldham put together an impressive campaign that included 15 wins, 2 draws and just 7 defeats, establishing themselves as genuine contenders following promotion back to the Championship the season before. 

With a settled core and a series of eye-catching additions ahead of the new season, they look well placed to push on again.

When we play them in 2026?

R7 | Sunday 22nd March (H) | Steel City Stadium (3pm)

R23 | Friday 7th August (A) | Boundary Park (7:45pm)

2026 Recruitment
Oldham have strengthened across multiple positions ahead of the new season, blending Super League experience with Australian talent. The headline signing is Australian forward Jaron Purcell, who joins from Redcliffe Dolphins. He is joined by fellow Australians Cole Geyer, a hooker, and back-row forward Evan Moore, both of whom have signed year-long contracts.

Closer to home, Sam Littler has signed after progressing through Salford’s academy and reserve teams. Former Super League winger Matty Russell also joins the club from Wakefield Trinity; despite a knee injury cutting his 2025 season short, he scored six tries in seven appearances,

Harvey Makin has also joined on a year-long loan from Wigan Warriors, adding further depth to Oldham’s pack, whilst one of their latest additions earlier this week was the signing of former Eagles full back Jack Walker.

Ones to Watch
New additions Jaron Purcell and Matty Russell are expected to be central to Oldham’s campaign, whilst prop forward Ted Chapelhow was one of Oldham’s standout performers last year and will again be crucial in 2026 as they look to push on from last season’s success of reaching the playoffs.

2026 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 Ormonroyd, 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