• LOCAL lad Martin Aspinwall puts a lifelong friendship on hold when Wigan travel to Huddersfield today.
  
  Wigan's form player with six tries from as many games could be up against his mate Stuart Jones, who is on loan at Huddersfield from Saints.
  
  They played their junior and schoolboy rugby together and were also a product of Wigan's scholarship scheme.
  
  Aspinwall said: "I've known Stu nearly all my life but I actually hadn't played against him until the Good Friday game against Saints last year.
  
  Aspinwall said that the return last week of skipper Andrew Farrell gave Wigan's youngsters a much-needed lift and today's clash could be a dress rehearsal for next month's Challenge Cup Final.
  
  One player definitely out is youngster Chris Melling. He's finished for the season after sustaining damaged knee ligaments.
  
  Melling, who will undergo surgery in the next fortnight, said: "I'm gutted with what happened.
  
  "I took the ball in and while my foot stayed still my whole body twisted and that's how the damage has been done."
  
• Elsewhere in Super League today, Warrington Wolves will be aiming to topple the London Broncos at Griffin Park.
  
  Graham Appo faces a late fitness test as does Julian O'Neill ahead of Widnes's home game with Leeds.
  
  Top game in the ATC sees Swinton travelling to Oldham and Lions coach Paul Kidd could rest Wayne English, who picked up a calf strain in midweek.
  
  Chorley host Leigh at Victory Park.
  
• OLDHAM plan to cash in on Pat Rich's return to the Roughyeds camp.
  
  Rich, a strong running centre, is looking forward to a second spell with the club ahead of the new National League season.
  
  He works as a solicitor and while back in the North West he is able to resume his league career with Steve Molloy's team.
  
  Having Rich back on the register is a welcome boost for the Roughyeds who intend challenging for promotion.
  
  Rich contacted the club to say he was back in the locality and chairman Chris Hamilton lost no time in securing his services.
  
  "Pat is a very good experienced player, it's great to see him back here," said the chairman.
  
  "He played 66 out of a possible 68 games the last time he was here. He's a tough lad, a solid player and a cool customer.
  
  "Defence is his strong point. Pat is one of those players who never lets the side down, he's steady and very competitive."
  
  Oldham first signed him after he impressed playing for Great Britain students.
  
• Meanwhile, former Salford prop Paul Southern has been back to see the specialist for a second opinion on a niggling groin injury.

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