Match Preview: Halifax Panthers visit Oldham in final pre-season clash

Simon Grix takes his new look Panthers squad to Bower Fold on Saturday to face Championship rivals Oldham RLFC in their final pre-season outing (4pm).
Ben KavanaghBen Kavanagh
Ben Kavanagh

Following last weekend's opposed training session with Huddersfield Giants, the game will be the Panthers' first full 80-minute test and gives Grix the chance to cast an eye over his squad ahead of the Betfred Challenge Cup first round match at home to Batley Bulldogs next week.

The Panthers' boss has a near full strength squad to pick from with only Ben Kavanagh and Sion Jones unavailable for selection as they both continue their recovery from long term injuries.

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New recruits Amir Bourouh, Greg Worthington, Gadwin Springer, Zack McComb, Connor Robinson, Liam Harris, Sam Hewitt, Nick Rawsthorne, Ben Tibbs and Dan Murray are all set to feature for the Panthers.

Oldham have doubts over former Fax player Ben Heaton who picked up a head knock in their defeat at Featherstone on Saturday and also young prop Tyler Dupree who twisted an ankle in the same fixture.

Matty Wilkinson who has featured for Halifax on dual-reg is also missing with a broken leg but Oldham could welcome back Cam Leeming, Jack Spencer, John Hutchings, Shaun Pick and Kyran Johnson.

One player to look out for in the Oldham ranks is former Fax player and brother to Panthers' assistant coach, Jode Sheriffe.

The referee for Saturdays clash will be Matt Rossleigh.

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The game is being streamed live on OuRLeague with Panthers fans able to purchase passes before Saturday at £4.95 or on game day for £10. You can purchase your passes to watch the action rugby-league.com/livestream