This is a great opportunity to get the season into the sort of shape we want it. 5 points is a must against our friendly local rivals who are not enjoying the best of starts to the season. There should be a good group at the pre-match lunch and there is sure to be plenty of good-natured banter. We need to make sure we have all the bragging rights post match!

It is good to see Mario Quitadamo back in the front row. With Joe Parsonage in support, we should be able to control the scrummages. At the back we have an abundance of pace with Sam Bryan back on duty and Paul Johnstone and Tom Price ready to outrun the Hoylake three-quarters. However, injuries to Dom Bennett and Liam Cambridge weaken the squad's strength but an infrequent Phil Brocken appearance will mitigate the loss.