UTILITY back Kyran Johnson, who hasn’t played since a heavy Challenge Cup defeat at Widnes Vikings in February last year, is included in Oldham’s provisional 21 for tomorrow’s clash with third-placed Bradford Bulls at Bower Fold.

Experienced prop Jode Sheriffe, whose only other appearances were in pre-season, is also recalled in the 21, as is Irish international Danny Bridge, who has missed the last two games because of a knee injury.

They replace John Hutchings and the injured Declan Gregory and Tommy Brierley.

The injured list also includes Ben Heaton, Dave Hewitt, Phil Joy and Jack Spencer.

This is Oldham’s first 21-man squad to be announced since the renowned Brian McDermott, the most successful coach in Super League history, joined the club four days ago in a coaching consultancy role.

Bradford boss Barry Kear, another big name in rugby league, has an injury list that includes star half-back Danny Brough plus Billy Jowitt, Jordan Lilley, Jack Sanderson, Matty Dawson-Jones and Levy Nzoungou.

London-born Joe Keys, who has played for Ireland, has been signed on short-term loan to replace Brough, returning to the club where he played in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Playing at stand-off, he was man of the match in last week’s win against Batley Bulldogs, but he will miss the injured Lilley, who also had a big game against Bulldogs as his half-back partner. Tickets for round one of a fabulous sporting Sunday – Oldham Rugby v Bradford followed by a certain football final later in the day – can be purchased online via the Roughyeds website until the cut-off point at noon on Sunday.

The game is also streamed on Our League, free to Oldham season-ticket holders, and only £4.95 for everyone else if purchased before midnight tonight.

Roughyeds: D Abram, J Abram, Barran, Bent, Bridge, Charnock, Dupree, Fletcher, Green, Hartley, Holcroft, Ince, Johnson, Kirk, Langtree, Nelmes, Owen, Pick, Reilly, Roberts, Sheriffe.

Bradford: Brown, Burton, Crossley, Doyle, England, B Evans, R Evans, Flanagan, Fleming, Foggin-Johnston, Gallager, Hallas, Hamlett, Keys, Murphy, Oakes, Pickersgill, Race, Scurr, Rooks, Walker.