The redoubtable hooker – the club's long-serving player – may be a Lancastrian by birth, but he has taken the White Rose side to his heart and club officials are hopeful supporters will turn out in force to pay tribute to him at Headingley Carnegie, kick-off 1pm.

The game represents the only chance home fans have to see the new-look hosts at Headingley during pre-season, with coach Neil Back and director of rugby Andy Key having bolstered their ranks with seven new signings ahead of the big National One kick-off at home to Nottingham on August 31.

Littleborough-born Rawlinson – club captain at Carnegie this term – is the first player in the club's history to be awarded a testimonial.

The game has been organised by Rawlinson's testimonial committee and tickets for adults, OAPs and students are just £10, while junior tickets are £5.

Speaking ahead of the match, Rawlinson, who joined the club from Orrell, said: "I am really looking forward to Sunday's game and I am excited that my testimonial game will be against one of the top sides in the country.

"I have had some fantastic times at Headingley Carnegie and with the new coaching team in place for next season, I think there are even more exciting times ahead.

"Sunday's game will be quite emotional but I am sure it will be a great day and one I will remember for the rest of my life.

"During my time at the club I have received fantastic support from the fans and I hope many of them can come on Sunday to share the day with me."

Following the Falcons clash, Carnegie visit Edgeley Park to face more Premier opposition in the form of Sale Sharks in their final pre-season friendly next Friday (8pm).

Meanwhile Rawlinson, 32 next week, has received well wishes from a former Leeds great – in the shape of former South African centre Andre Snyman, who played with the hooker at Leeds for four seasons during which time the pair became firm friends.

The ex-Leeds favourite said: "I really enjoyed playing with Rob, he is a great character who is always smiling.

"And there is never a dull moment when he is around.

"Rob has been at the club a long time and in my opinion is one of the corner pillars of the club.

"I wish I could be there to enjoy the special day with him and I hope everyone back in Leeds gets behind Rob and helps make Sunday a memorable day for him as he has given so much to Leeds over the years."

Leeds Carnegie: Fosi Pala'amo, Rob Rawlinson, Peter Bucknall, Phil Murphy, Jon Pendlebury, Andy Boyde, Hendre Fourie, Danny Paul, Joe Bedford, Jason Strange,Peter Wackett, Lee Blackett, Jonny Hepworth, Scott Armstrong, Leigh Hinton.
Replacements: Mike MacDonald, Villi Ma'asi, Phil Nilsen, Tommy McGee,
Adam Hopcroft, James Craig, Tom Denton, Calum Clark, Rhys Oakley, Scott Mathie, Dan White, Alberto Di Bernardo, James Brooks, Adam Greendale, Rob Vickerman, Richard Welding.