Pool come into the fixture on the back of last weekend’s defeat to Ponteland, while Gateshead will also be keen to respond after suffering a 43–12 loss away at Peterlee & Horden. With both sides searching for momentum, there is plenty at stake at Gateshead’s Hedley Lawson Park.

The reverse fixture back in September showed just how tight this contest can be. On that occasion at Mayfield Park, Gateshead edged a closely fought encounter 14–13, a result that will still be fresh in the minds of the Hartlepool squad.

Preparation has been positive for Pool, with an excellent turnout at training on both Tuesday and Thursday. Competition for places has increased and the return of players from injury has further boosted options and morale within the camp.

Player/Head Coach Lewis Wilson has been back training this week as he continues his recovery from the ankle injury that has kept him sidelined for the past few months. While this weekend comes just too soon for his return to action, Wilson is hopeful of being in contention for next week’s home clash against Acklam. Liam Pape is also edging closer after nursing a back injury since December.

There is good news in the centre, where Luke McLurg is set to make his first start since suffering a shoulder dislocation earlier in the season. Thomas Stead also returns after shaking off the hand injury that forced him to miss the last two weeks.

Stead starts in the front row alongside Adam Williamson and Anthony Harvey, with David Carson-White providing cover from the bench. The only other change in the pack sees Daniel Cooper partner Jack Riley in the second row, replacing the unavailable Liam McMenemy.

In the backs, McLurg partners Max Filby in the centres, while Owen Samuel returns from Dubai to take his place on the wing. Keagen Thomas shifts from centre to full-back, where he will look to orchestrate play from the backfield. Bobby Keers is once again named among the replacements, with Ben Kitching offering cover across the backs.

With confidence growing on the training field and key players returning at the right time, Pool will be hopeful of producing a strong performance and turning narrow margins into a much-needed result on the road.

1XV:
1. T Stead, 2. Williamson, 3. Harvey (vc), 4. Jack Riley, 5. Cooper, 6. Lang, 7. Carney, 8. Chester (c), 9. Walker, 10. Clarke (vc), 11. Samuel, 12. Mclurg, 13. Filby, 14. T Wray, 15. K Thomas

Reps: 16. Carson-White, 17. Keers, 18. Kitching

The 2XV were originally scheduled for a weekend off but have picked up a late fixture and will also make the trip to Gateshead, marking a sixth consecutive away game and their ninth on the road in the last ten outings.

With no 3XV in action, they are able to name a large squad of 26 for the fixture at short notice, including Dean Ryan, who crossed for a try with the 1XV last week.

Mark McManus will be keen to continue the form that earned him December’s Player of the Month award, while Alex Sharp will be hoping to get back among the tries after a rare scoreless appearance last time out.

Niall Bains, Ruairi Terzza and Lewis Connor are all among those returning to the squad, and Dean Middlemiss is rewarded with a start at flanker after an impressive and consistent season for the Friars.

2XV:
1. Thornhill, 2. Swift, 3. Littlewood, 4. Mcmanus, 5. Carrigher, 6. Baldwin, 7. Middlemiss, 8. Sharp (vc), 9. N Taylor, 10. Lawrence (c), 11. Terzza, 12. Bains, 13. Dean Ryan, 14. Makepeace, 15. Van Zyl

Reps: 16. Goodison, 17. Burton, 18. Whitecross, 19. Rodgers, 20. Ward, 21. Connor, 22. Martin, 23. Mcconnell, 24. A Taylor, 25. Hay, 26. Lile