The National Conference League in which the two clubs play is such an important resource for the game.
In fact, both start out in the Premier for 2025 after a proper title race which saw them both promoted after Waterhead snared the title.
The strength of these community clubs can be measured in the pathways which exist. Rowlands proudly explained that Leigh Miners Rangers were the biggest club in the country in terms of how many players of all ages and genders crossed the white line to play within their set-up.
At open-age level, senior rugby, the standard is particularly high. Former professionals such as Phil Joy and Gareth Owen feature for Waterhead, while Miners Rangers half-back Jonny Youds also had a spell in the pro ranks.
Both sides are littered with England Community Lions caps, players picked to represent the game on an international stage, which again points to the quality of the level.
Players who have good jobs and salaries opt to stay in the NCL because it is competitive.
They can play a high standard, without the full-on commitment of game travel and training which is expected in League One, for example.
Relationships between the league system and the community game are mutually beneficial.
In Waterhead’s case, the re-emergence of Oldham with Mike Ford’s drive and the work of coaches like Sean Long and now Jordan Turner on the staff has created new interest and exposure for the game, and potentially can have a drip-down effect.
Leigh Miners Rangers took advantage of coach Rowlands’ links with Paul Wood and Paul Anderson and as such they trained with Swinton in the build-up to this week – further strengthening bonds with the pro clubs.
The reward for the winner of Saturday’s game is a second-round tie against Featherstone Rovers – three times winners – and one of the heavyweights of the Championship.
It will be a perfect opportunity for one of these two proud sides to once again showcase their talent and all that is good about the community game.