Huddersfield YMCA will hand debuts to two talented backs in tomorrow’s home North I East clash against Middlesbrough.
Louis Rafter – the younger brother of prop Josh – has been named on the wing.
And experienced rugby league centre Nathan Chappell will be handed his chance from the bench.
YM coach Jody Shaw is hoping the duo will be able to provide the extra spark to help build on last week’s 15-10 victory over Morpeth up in the North-East.
The men from Laund Hill, promoted last season, are eighth in an embryonic table topped by Cleckheaton, with Middlesbrough 11th.
The confidence-boosting YM victory followed defeats by Old Crossleyans and Northern.
And Shaw said: “It was a big tonic for us, particularly because Morpeth is always a tough place to go to.
“To be fair, we could, and should, have beaten Northern, so to get the win up there was great, but now we need to build on it.
“North I East is quicker and more physical, but we are growing into the new challenge.”
There will be particular interest in how Chappell performs if he gets the nod off the bench.
The former Newsome Panthers junior centre has spent the past few seasons with Underbank Rangers’ summer National Conference League club.
And with his natural attacking flair he could prove a valuable strike weapon out wide.
“Louis has been patient in waiting for his chance and Nathan is an exciting signing for us, so it will be interesting to see how they both go,” added Shaw.
YMCA: Johnson, Bentley, Ryder, Stead, L Rafter, Barber, Clayton, Steve Dyke, Hill, J Rafter, Bell, Housley, Sharrock, Hodge, Whitehead. Subs: Lumb, Stuart Dyke, Chappell.
