Leeds v Newcastle: Teams

At Headingley Carnegie, Sunday September 6, kick-off 3pm

Last updated: 4th September 2009  

Leeds v Newcastle: Teams

Hayman: Passed fit

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Newcastle captain Carl Hayman and star signing Jimmy Gopperth have been passed fit to take on Leeds.

Gopperth is one of five players making their debuts in the starting XV, with Springbok centre Gcobani Bobo and ex-Leeds pair Tom Biggs and Rob Vickerman named in the backs, while James Hudson comes into the second row.

Laurence Ovens and Charlie Amesbury will be looking to make their first appearances for the Falcons off the bench, however fellow new signings Filipo Levi (foot) and Josh Afu (back) are ruled out through injury.

Spencer Davey (knee) and Tane Tu'ipulotu (neck) will also miss the clash.

"Apart from a few guys we are picking from a virtually full strength squad," said director of rugby Steve Bates.

"Sunday's game is absolutely vital in starting our season on the right note, but we're expecting a tough and physical match against a fired-up Leeds side which has added well to its squad over the summer."

New-look

There will be a new-look to the Leeds side as six of the club's summer signings make their debuts.

Marco Wentzel will captain the side, with Australian prop Gareth Hardy coming straight into the front row.

Former England international Andy Gomarsall and Ceiron Thomas combine in the half-backs, while Alex Moreno and Alfie To'oala start on the bench.

However Henry Fa'afili - as well as Mike MacDonald and Fosi Pala'amo - is still waiting for issues with the international clearance to be resolved.

Leeds: 15 Jon Goodridge, 14 Richard Welding, 13 Jonny Hepworth, 12 Scott Barrow,

11 Lee Blackett, 10 Ceiron Thomas, 9 Andy Gomarsall, 1 Gareth Hardy, 2 Vili Ma'asi, 3 Tommy McGee, 4 Phil Murphy, 5 Marco Wentzel (C), 6 Kearnan Myall, 7 Hendre Fourie, 8 Rhys Oakley.
Replacements: 16 Rob Rawlinson, 17 Alex Moreno, 18 Phil Swainston, 19 Alfie To'oala, 20 Danny Paul, 21 Scott Mathie, 22 Henry Paul, 23 Scott Armstrong.

Newcastle: 15 Alex Tait, 14 Danny Williams, 13 Rob Vickerman, 12 Gcobani Bobo, 11 Tom Biggs, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Micky Young, 8 Peter Browne, 7 Brent Wilson, 6 Adam Balding, 5 James Hudson, 4 Tim Swinson, 3 Carl Hayman (capt), 2 Rob Vickers, 1 Jon Golding.
Replacements: 16 Matt Thompson, 17 Laurence Ovens, 18 Micky Ward, 19 Mark Sorenson, 20 Ed Williamson, 21 Hall Charlton, 22 Rob Miller, 23 Charlie Amesbury.