It is also charity day, in loving memory of little Max Craine, the son of our loyal and highly popular prop Cameron Craine, who died so tragically in the summer.

‘There will be a lot of emotion running through the boys’ said Jordan Reynolds after announcing the strongest squad for the best part of two months and the early weeks of the season.

Back comes Layton Batiste after suspension, his brother Jason from the ear injury he picked up in the last home game, while Simon Sharrott and Simi Sawene are fit enough for the bench and there is a start for newcomer Ned Brown, who so impressed for the 2nds against St Jacques last weekend.

Meanwhile, there are promotions for young Dale Martin and Leon Gardner.

It all adds up to a more powerful unit.

‘Yeah, we’re getting a little bit closer to it,’ said the coach.

‘Dale has been a standout performer for the 2nds and has definitely been a cut above that.

‘We gave him an opportunity out of position against Westcliff and he defended extremely well.

“I then watched him against St Jacques and he played really well.’

‘Simi played extremely well against Westcliff and had another run out against St Jacques.

‘He seems passed the knee injury - touch wood.

‘He has big potential and we are hoping for big things from him.’

Nick Barton, Greg Smith, Jim Regnard, Malcolm Barnes, Darrin Bellingham and Robin Le Cocq are among those still out injured.

Starting XV: Cameron Craine, Tom Ceillam, Layton Batiste, Lewis Hillier, Nick Merrien, Leon Gardner, Dale Martin, Matt Thomas; Glenn Walters, Blair Campbell, Jim Elliott, Matty Hema, Jason Batiste, Ned Brown, Sam Whitehead.

Replacements: Simon Sharrott, Simi Sawene and Shane Taylor.