Huddersfield Rugby Union Club return to action after a week’s break with a crunch home clash against Sale – one they are fired up to win.
Coach Gareth Lewis’s side are 11 points adrift of Broadstreet at the bottom of the National II North table as they prepare to do battle at Lockwood Park.
Lewis has a strong side at his disposal, even though Ben Hoyle is unavailable, and versatile Lewis Workman will start at inside centre.
The bench will include Laurence Sanderson, who has come out of retirement, and Lewis feels his squad are ready for the test as they seek a first win in nine matches.
“With the firmer pitches and hopefully some decent weather, I am hoping it will bring the best out of us over the coming weeks,” said Lewis.
“The boys are fully energised and ready to go this weekend.
“The game over at Heywood Road really sticks out in my mind as one that we should have won.
“It was a game in which we exerted enormous pressure on them but didn’t take our chances, so we know we’ve got to be clinical this week when the chances come our way.”
Sale are themselves courting trouble in the lower reaches of the table and Lewis added; “Sale FC have been dragged into the bottom three in recent weeks, so they come to Lockwood Park knowing it’s a must-win game for them.
“We have selected what I believe is a very strong squad, with one or two changes, and I’m excited to see what the lads can deliver.”
Huddersfield: Hodson, Kanouros, Owen, Workman, Hodgson, Bell, Hinchliffe, Battye (capt), Bradley, Tamanis, Thompson, Rhodes (G), Rhodes (N), Parfitt, Malthouse. Subs: Jeffrey, Sanderson, Walker, Fletcher, Thornton.
