Novocastrians make the journey down to Sunderland on Saturday to play in what is set up to be a winner takes all game. We head into the fixture with the maximum 15 points behind us and a points difference higher than any of our opponents with an impressive +109. Our hosts for Saturday however are not too far behind us. Having also won 3 from 3 and scoring 15 points in the process we are faced with a Sunderland side who will be looking to make things a repeat of the last time we played them at their place.

However, it can be argued that the current Novos side is in a much better place than it was one year ago from today, and an eventual strong top 3 finish at the end of last season gives us all the confidence we can walk away from, what may be the trickiest game of the year, with a win and the five points as well. It won't come easy however, so not only do we need the lads selected to bring their A-game we could also do with all the support we can get! So are you free to head down and support the boys for a 15:00 kick off? If so, get yourself down there!

As for the team itself, it sees a few changes to the side that had a comfortable victory against Darlington just a week ago. However with the depth in our playing squad we feel more than confident that every player selected will be able to run out and get the job done for the club.

Unfortunately, the likes of Darren Kelly and Josh Farley, who have been involved in the past couple weeks have had to drop out of the squad as a result of working commitments. To replace them, George Jowitt, who had an outstanding game on debut will make the transition from back row to second row. And, normally outside center Ben Jubb will return to the squad after a few weeks of injury to take up Farley's regular position of Fly-Half.

Speaking of injuries, Lewis Chater and Fin Ruddock both rule themselves as unavailable after sustaining knocks in recent weeks, but that allows us to play the towering Simeon Archibald instead after he comes back to the club after some time away. As for Lewis Chater, it only makes the back 3 selection ever so slightly easier considering the incredible depth and ability we have throughout the squad in that area. Max Cook will take up one wing after a great game last week, and on the other will be Brandon Gilbert making his first appearance of the season after rebuilding his fitness after injury in the 2nd XV over the past couple of weeks before the big showdown against our main contenders for the league.

The rest of the squad remains relatively unchanged from last week with lots of familiar and popular names retaining their shirts after a positive team performance last week. Two names however, are new to the team-sheet for this season, one is that of Theo Mouille. After sustaining a knock to the head in pre-season he has been out of action for some time but now returns to the side to show what he can bring to the team from the bench. An explosive performance full of energy and physicality we hope, that we know he can bring on his best day.

The second, is that of Alex Donaghy, a relatively new player to the club having previously had experience playing rugby league for Newcastle Thunder, he has already shown his talent, power and pace at training this week and thus earns himself a shirt in the 18 making his debut in what will be a huge fixture. Covering pretty much anywhere in the backfield, Alex will be a real weapon coming off of the bench for us and the whole club is excited to see what he can do.

So get yourself down for what is set to be a massive game and cheer the lads on to hold onto the top spot!

Meet Time At Novos - 12:30
Kick Off - 15:00
1st XV Squad Vs Sunderland
Tom Taylor - Ben Rodgers - Ant McQuillin - George Jowitt - Jonny Allton - Simeon Archibald - George Bambrick (C) - Rob Baldwin - Rhys Merlane - Ben Jubb - Brandon Gilbert - Michael Searle - Harry Tankard - Max Cook - Sam Busby - Ollie Forster - Theo Mouille - Alex Donaghy (Debut)