Unfortunately Dearne still have a long list of players are still unavailable for this weekends fixture as the coaches continue to deal with a wide array of long term injuries. Archie Adams (appendix), Will Adams (wrist), Jacob Bradder (shoulder), Callum Young (knee), Charlie Higgins (ribs) are all regular first XV players currently out of action, whilst Jonny Horrobin is currently serving week two of his four week ban for a red card against Hessle last time out.

Club captain, Andrew Thorpe, is unavailable due to a holiday and regular number eight Bailey Woods has work commitments. These are constant battles you have to overcome in amateur rugby and the fact that Dearne can still name a strong team shows their strength in depth.

In more positive news, this Saturday will see a return to the matchday squad for last seasons Player of The Year and top try scorer Sam Holt. Sam, who had an outstanding debut Rugby League season for Dearne Valley Bulldogs, is making a long awaited return from a shoulder problem he picked up during the summer Rugby League campaign. He will be looking to make an impact off the bench and chase down current top try scorers Jacob Mangham, Jack Duggan, and Sam Oxley for that top spot come the end of the season.

On the bench, there is also a return for Alex Mincher following a spell on the sidelines having picked up a serious knee injury against Maltby a month ago. He too will be looking to make an impact once called upon from the replacements bench.

"We are still dealing with multiple injuries and lots of players who were first choice last season are still currently unavailable, however that gives opportunities to others to put their marker down" said Head Coach Callum Emery.

"John Williams has been rewarded with a starting spot in the second row following a positive performance for the Development XV last weekend, and Ben Hartley has made the transition to number eight due to the amount of back row players we have unavailable at the moment".

He continued, "We are excited to get out there again in front of our home support this coming weekend, and hope to see all our usual supporters down cheering the lads on as we look to cement our position at the top of the table against what we know will be a tough and determined Knottingley side".

STARTING XV
1. Cooke
2. Moore
3. Hamilton
4. Williams
5. Kenney
6. Bailey (CC)
7. Cox
8. Hartley (CC)
9. Roebuck
10. Shaw
11. Mangham
12. Mason
13. Kite
14. Duggan
15. Oxley

FINISHERS
16. Mincher
17. Christmas
18. Baxter
19. Parker
20. Holt

3PM KICK OFF