While old foes Askam and Millom go head-to-head, so do the Walney Central squad in their North v South showdown.
Mark Tyson’s season is over following an operation on his troublesome ankle, but brother Kristian – who had a 12-month stint with Barrow Raiders – is included in a strong squad after being on the sidelines for through injury.
Sam Dowsett, who has been settling back in at Fallowfield Park following a spell at Workington, is unavailable, while brother Joe is 50/50 with a knee injury.
The squad has to be finalised, but Jamie Butler, Liam Saunders, Marc Dixon, Adam Jackson and Ben Lewney return after missing the fine 44-19 win at East Leeds two weeks ago.
Coach Mike Wilson goes into the game quietly confident after a win over the Woollybacks in the first round of the Barton Townley Cup and a hefty league triumph at Devonshire Road.
The Askam boss said: “It will not be an easy game, despite our two wins over them. In both, the margin was wide, but Millom had some good spells, so there is no way we are taking them lightly. They have a good set of forwards, and we must get on top up front, then move the ball wide as we have speed in the back line.
“Having no game last week has helped us with some of the lads carrying niggling injuries.
“We must get our act together in defence, which has caused us problems in some games lately. Going forward is no problem, as we are capable of scoring from any distance. We must complete our sets.”
Although not having the best of seasons, Millom have put two good results together ahead of this encounter, drawing at Crosfields and recording a great home win over Dudley Hill.
Player/coach Tom Sibley, who returns after injury, said: “The draw and win have really lifted the players confidence-wise, which we will take into the game. We have to get one over on them after our two defeats so far. It’s vital we get a result, as we need to pull away from the relegation area, but the lads are confident.
“We have to get in the game early and take it to them, and get on top up front, where we are strong.”
Sibley hopes to have experienced forward Paul Carter back, while a surprise addition could see Paul Evans out of retirement. Evans was a prolific scorer in his days at Devonshire Road and is a good organiser.
Adam Kelly, Chris Warren and Tom Newbiggin are out.
A big crowd is expected, but it remains to be seen if can they match the near-1,000 Kells and Wath Brow pulled in last week.
It was his first game back after damaging his shoulder.
Matt Archer and Chris Reid are battling to be fit, and if they miss out, Hindpool go into the game with only one recognised half-back, Paul Rickleton. Nathan Sneesby and Shannon Coleman are out.
Coach Phil Cubiss said. “Last week’s tough game with St James took its toll, with several lads 50/50, but we go with the intention of pulling off our first away win.”
Ian Irvine is out injured, but Reece Craig and Callum Nelson return.
Coach Joe Elliott said: “It is a must-win game, and hopefully our first away win, which we need to get among the mid-table clubs.”
Holmes will line up for the North, coached by Liam Finch, who is adamant he will not play despite opposite number Anthony Horton’s wishes to face his old team-mate.
Finch is keeping his squad, skippered by Jamie Morrow, close to his chest, but Declan Gavin will start in what should be a team of youngsters.
Horton’s side includes coaching staff Jan Elliott and Paul Henderson, along with youngsters Ellis Rea, Matt Solsby and son Cameron, and skipper Dave Warne.
THE Barrow and District open-age squad will hold a training session at Fallowfield Park, Askam on Monday (6.30pm start). The following players are asked to attend.
Sam Jones, Jack Sutherland, Blain Marwood, Joe Mallinson, Ryan Clegg (Barrow Island); Russ Bolton, Tom Hopkins, Tom Wilkinson, Liam Saunders, Dan Sayle, Mark Tyson (Askam); Sam Shepherd, Connor Saunders, Marc Storey (Ulverston); Ryan Baines, Jack Flynn, Ross Clayton, Joe Crarey, Ben Atkinson, Harri Brown, Scott Paisley, (Dalton); Adam Batty, Corne Els, Dan Sharp (Roose Pioneers); Steve Conner, Ethan Kelly, Bob Wright, Lee Postlethwaite (Millom).
Cumbria Under-19s play Scotland at Craven Park on Sunday, September 17 (11.30am kick-off). Barrow Raiders host Keighley Cougars in the Super Eights in the afternoon.
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