Sadly Davy Tighe will definitely miss out after being concussed at Driffield. It's a blow for a player who has enjoyed more rough than smooth after coming back to help us out when Stabs made the call.
It has to be said that Rod finds the game an unnecessary diversion as he tries to get us back on track in the league. But he knows enough to realise how much it means to the players, so we are likely to start with an experienced 15 including the likes of Bennett and Sawyer, and then ring the changes as the game goes on.
One new face will be Chris Lambert, who turns 17 on Boxing Day and finds himself involved in a bit of history. Chris is currently the fastest player in the club [Toddy might argue - a little] and is just one of many current Under 17's who are all superb prospects. He'll start on the seven man bench.
It promises to be an odd game, given the league encounter at Brinkburn on January 29th, but will nonetheless be a well contested affair.
For the most part both sets of players are good friends with a healthy respect for each other. Darren Thomas says the view in the West dressing room is that Rovers are one of the better rugby sides we've played so far - and Andrew Foreman's arrival has certainly helped them gain confidence.