The Tynesiders are top of the league by virtue of having run in more points, but both clubs may get a better idea of their fortunes for the rest of the campaign come 4.30 on Saturday
We’ve both played three and won three and earned a try bonus point in each game. However, it is only the fourth game of the season and there will be 22 more after this so nothing will be decided until next April.
We go into the game off the back of a hard fought 27-12 home win over Rovers, while Northern had a big 59-23 win at struggling Medicals - our visitors next week.
As ever there are changes enforced by players' having other commitments (Butcher and Peacock) and others carrying knocks (Gav Painter and Alex Barker).
John Bunter is likely to return to the second row to partner Jake Linighan the winner of the Man of the Match award last week in his first game of the season.
While the in-form Will Hilditch will step inside to take Gav Painter's shirt
West from: Zac Southern, Ben Armstrong, Will Hilditch, Peter Youll, Callum Johnston, Stu Waites, Ryan Painter (captain), Adam Coates, Andrew Rollins, Adam Brown, Craig Hadwen, Jake Linighan, John Bunter, Chris Atkins, Isaac Robinson, Jay Corbett., Liam Rutherford, Connor McLurg, Ross Wood, Darren Thomas.