Oldham RUFC’s Easter Sunday derby against Rochdale Hornets this weekend is one of their biggest games of the season, according to boss Sean Long.

Roughyeds are aiming to capitalise on their opening-round triumph against Workington by securing victory over Rochdale in what would be their fourth consecutive win against their neighbours.

But, despite already inflicting a 38-12 win against Hornets in the 1895 Cup back in February at Boundary Park, Long is taking nothing for granted.

“Rochdale will be stinging a bit from the 1895 Cup loss, and they were missing a few key players so we are not taking anything from that win,” he explained.

“This is a fresh competition, it’s one of our biggest games of the season - the first one at home against our local rivals.

“We want Boundary Park rocking and we want a good performance.

“Hopefully, the fans come out in their droves and we will have a really good entertaining game of rugby.”

Since that 1895 Cup game last month, Rochdale have added in two more former Oldham men to their ranks.

Hooker Jonny Openshaw, who featured four times for Oldham in 2022, has joined Gary Thornton’s men.

And last week, the club also announced the signing of Emmerson Whittel, fresh from his release at Oldham.

With the addition of both Openshaw and Whittel, Rochdale’s total for ex-Oldham men now stands at 10 - meaning there is plenty of interest in the game for both camps.

With many in the Rochdale ranks coming to Boundary Park with a point to prove, it promises to be an exciting affair.

Oldham could be boosted by the return of Craig Kopczak, who last week returned to non-contact training.

Long revealed in midweek the prop could be available for Easter Sunday’s derby.

Elsewhere, winger Cian Tyrer started for Workington Town in their 58-16 loss to Keighley on Sunday, after joining the club on a short-term loan deal with Town struggling with injuries.