With the two sides occupying the bottom two spots in the league table, both will be hoping for a change in fortunes and to head into the New Year with a renewed sense of optimism.

Pool know that a victory tomorrow, coupled with a defeat for Bishop Auckland, would see them begin 2025 outside of the relegation zone.

While the majority of fixtures fell victim to the weather last weekend, Rockliff's home game with Peterlee & Horden did go ahead with the visitors running out 5-34 winners.

With several players returning to the fold, Lewis Wilson & Andy Cummins have had a genuine selection headache ahead of this fixture for arguably the first time this season.

The evergreen Graham Wilson returns to the front row alongside Daniel Cooper and Anthony Harvey, who was set to make his first appearance of the season at Ponteland.

Captain Jon Carney and Jack Riley form an energetic second row partnership.

Phil Stevenson is back in the number 8 shirt having missed the last two games. Dean Dickson, who also missed the game with Sunderland, also returns.

There are two big boosts to the back line with scrum half Tazz Pelser having completed his 4 game suspension and Harry Mayes named for the first time this season hot on the heels of playing at the Dubai 7s.

Another player set for his first appearance this term is Tyler Hall who takes the number 14 shirt.

Lewis Wilson was denied his 100th 1st XV appearance following last week's postponement but will now get the honour of doing so on home turf tomorrow.

1. G Wilson, 2. Cooper, 3. Harvey, 4. Jack Riley, 5. Carney (c), 6. Chester, 7. Dickson, 8. Stevenson, 9. Pelser, 10. Clarke, 11. Samuel. 12. Mayes, 13. K Thomas, 14. T Hall, 15. L Wilson

Changes: 16. T Stead, 17. Dawson-Weatherill, 18. Mclurg

Elsewhere, Hartlepool A have a bus trip to Kirkby Stephen to look forward to when they take on Upper Eden in the CANDY League.

The Maroons are still searching for their first win of the season but travel in good numbers with a squad that includes Neil Stead, Michael Smalley, Joseph Hall and Stephen Cole.

The Friars are also in action and take a 23 man squad through to Middlesbrough for their first fixture in nearly a month owing to last week's postponement.