London host Friday night lights

London Skolars coach James Massara has hailed his club’s annual ‘Friday Night Lights’ fixture as the biggest in their season ahead of this week’s showdown with Oldham.

As Rugby League’s community descends on the capital, the Skolars host former coach Tony Benson and his promotion-chasing Roughyeds squad with only victory in mind.

Massara said: “It’s a very good event and we’re looking forward to it.

“We all know it’s the club’s biggest event of the year, and it’s a pretty special weekend for Rugby League in general.

“From a playing point of view my message all week is that it’s just a normal game. We’ve got our goals and we’ve got to go out and achieve them. The club hasn’t won a Friday Night Lights game but we’re hoping to change that record this year.”

Skolars beat Gateshead 68-22 in their last Co-operative Championship One fixture.

Massara said: “We did pretty well. We stuck to the good stuff we’ve been doing recently, and that was the reason we kept scoring points.

“However, that was two weeks ago and we face a completely different challenge against Oldham. They’re carrying a lot of enthusiasm.

“We’re going to have to dig deep, get in an arm-wrestle and go from there. They’re second in the table, they throw a lot at you and they’ve got a very athletic pack.”

Skolars will be missing Jamie Boston but Jason Cook is fit to play after recovering from a badly cut lip.

Oldham travel without Craig Robinson (broken finger) and Jason Boults (groin), while Luke Sutton is doubtful.

Coach Benson said: “This is always one of London’s biggest games, regardless of how they’ve been going in the league.

“There’ll be a fantastic atmosphere and a big crowd, and they’ll really pick up for this fixture.”