Bailey, who missed the last two league game through work and family commitments, will start at inside centre with Greg Edwards moving back to the wing.

Colin Cheslin injured his back in last week's warm up and is still resting the injury. However, Sam Miller is back in the squad after missing last week because of a shoulder injury.

The game allows for seven replacements with Kyle Jamieson enjoying his first taste of Boxing Day alongside seasoned campaigners Andrew Dixon, Davy Tighe and Darren Thomas.

West: Luke Mallinson,  Scott Butcher, Andrew Cheslin , Liam Bailey, Greg Edwards, Stu Waites, Ryan Painter, Ian Pinchen, Andrew Rollins, Adam Coates, Owen Bennett,  Michael Hogan, Dan Boatman [c], Jon Boatman , Andy Turner,  Sam Miller,  Andrew Dixon, Jay Corbett, Andy Robson, Kyle Jamieson, Darren Thomas, Davy Tighe.

Both sides go into the game in some reasonable form. We've won our last two - without playing too well,  while Rovers have claimed some notable scalps at the New Friarage including defeats of high flying Darlington and Guisborough.

The game will help raise money for Hartlepool Hospice and Boxing Day will also see a new addition to the warm up game involving the Gingers and Stashers. It will take the shape of a charity game in aid of the Children's Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle which has been looking after Paul "Tinker" Williamson's son Charlie.

Tinker will be selecting and playing for his own side which will take on a Gingers and Stashers Select XV at Grayfields at 10.30.