The club begins it's new DN2 campaign with a very tough trip to relegated Ponteland. The Northumberland club are coached by Tynedales Tom Bramald and Falcons duo of Ally Hogg and Mike Blair. They could count themselves unlucky to be relegated and will be strong favourites for a quick return.

Vulcans coach Tony Horsfall has a near full strength squad to choose from but is missing influential centres John Kelly and Joe Jenkins through injury and flanker Lee Harvey, prop John Lee and Lock Kris Gowland through unavailability.

The Saxons host Ponteland's Pythons in a Coquet league fixture for their opener.