Broncos look for ‘positive’ return from Covid hiatus against relegation threatened Oldham

Oldham are on a run of nine consecutive defeats, and stopping the rot will be no small task against a rejuvenated London Broncos team now under the leadership of Tom Tsang.

It’s been a tough season for the Roughyeds, and despite bringing the experience of Brian McDermott on board with his appointment to the coaching staff earlier in the campaign, they still find themselves languishing in the relegation zone of the Betfred Championship, sat in 13th place.

Having lost their last nine games in a row, it’s fair to say that survival would now take somewhat of a miracle. Oldham have just eight games remaining to try and save their campaign, and have a significantly lower points percentage than their nearest ‘relegation rivals’ Dewsbury Rams. 

Last time out, coaching consultant McDermott saw the Roughyeds fall to a narrow 28-24 defeat away at Whitehaven where the game was ultimately lost in the last 20 minutes having led for a long period of the second half.

As for London, they currently sit in 5th place looking at the league table, and a play-off place is all but secured already. Bradford Bulls and Halifax Panthers – both of whom are currently higher in the table – sit within reaching distance for Tsang’s men, so a strong end to the season could result in a more favourable draw when the play-offs come around.

In their last outing at home to York City Knights, the Broncos started slowly in the first half as has become the ‘norm’ in recent weeks, though soon picked up and went in at the break with a 10-point advantage. Then, in the second half, London dominated against tiring opposition and ran in five tries to give the scoreline a comfortable look come the end of proceedings, winning 50-22.

Squads

The outright most successful coach in Super League history, many questioned McDermott’s decision to join Oldham and still do so. He is yet to bring the best out of the Roughyeds squad, but after that spirited performance at Whitehaven last time out, sticks with the same pack.

Dave Hewitt (ribs), centre Ryan Ince (concussion) and full-back Dan Abram (knee) all went off injured at Whitehaven without returning to the field, though they could still play some part against the Broncos having been named in the 21-man squad.

Meanwhile, Broncos boss Tsang has had a slightly more difficult time of it in terms of squad selection ahead of the trip up north to face Oldham. Numerous London players have been out of action for a while due to COVID isolations, with the club being forced to postpone a game earlier this month, so academy players have had to be called upon for the meeting with the Roughyeds.

Bill Leyland and Ramon Silva get the nod from Tsang for this one, included in a squad for the first time. The former of those -Bill- is the younger brother of fellow Broncos player Oliver Leyland. Elsewhere, Ryan Horsman makes his return to the 21 having recovered from an injury.

Played at the Vestacre Stadium – home to non-league football side Staylbridge Celtic – there will likely be heavy rainfall throughout the encounter which could work in Oldham’s favour on a surface which they are used to playing on.

A win for the Roughyeds is essential, and the longer they go without one, the sooner relegation will be confirmed. However, the task of coming away with something against the Broncos doesn’t look to be an easy task for McDermott’s men and London will see this as a real opportunity to get some points on both the scoreboard and the league table.

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