Academy graduates Harry Watts, Tom Campbell, Ben Clarke and Joseph Scarborough are all selected to start, with Zach Pounder also named among the replacements.

The tried and tested trio of Graham Wilson, Adam Williamson and John Osborne pack down in the front row with Martyn Howard and Watts behind them in the engine room.

Aaron Jeffery and Jon Carney complete the back row line up alongside Campbell.

Last years Players' Player of the Season Tazz Pelser returns to take the number nine shirt and form an exciting looking half back partnership with Clarke.

Summer signing Ryan Foreman will make his competitive debut for the club and lines up alongside David Chester in the centre.

Another 18 year old, Owen Samuel, is set to start on the wing. Owen, who spent a couple of seasons playing junior rugby at Mayfield Park, has looked sharp in pre season having recently returned to the UK from Dubai.

Second row Joe McDonnell and utility man Max Filby complete the replacements.

1 G Wilson, 2 Williamson, 3 Osborne, 4 Howard, 5 Watts, 6 Jeffery, 7 Carney, 8 Campbell, 9 Pelser, 10 Clarke, 11 Samuel, 12 R Foreman, 13 Chester, 14 Scarborough, 15 L Wilson

Reps: 16 Pounder, 17 McDonnell, 18 Filby

Hartlepool A travel to Bishop Auckland (3pm KO) in the opening round of CANDY League fixtures.

The Maroons ran out winners at West Mills on the final day of last season and will be hoping for similar fortunes this time round.

Pool can call upon a healthy squad despite many unavailabilities across the senior squad as a whole this weekend.

Thomas Stead and Bret Brown are in line to make their first competitive appearances since returning to the club this Summer.

18 year olds Pelo Van Zyl, Liam Mcmenemy, James Corrigan and George Wilson are all named in the travelling squad.

While Scott Buttery is in line for his debut having recently signed from Hartlepool Rovers.