Community RL: First-round high fliers prepare to go head to head

Milford Marlins, who won 28-24 at Ince Rose Bridge, have home advantage against a Hunslet Warriors team on a high after a 22-14 success away to Hull Dockers.

Milford have concerns over Tom Whitehead (hand injury), Dave Watmough (ribs) and Keiron Webster (back).

Eddie Wilson and Tom Barnes remain on the long-term casualty list and Sam Morton, Steve Bacon and Gareth Fairhead are also unavailable.

Connor Parr, Sam Wilson and Harry Gillfillan are all in contention after doing well in pre-season and Australian hooker Regan Cooper will be hoping to make his home debut.

Dwayne Barker, a former Milford junior, could make his home debut against the team he played for last season.

Warriors will be without prop Johnny Dawson due to work commitments and wingers Bryn Powell (knee) and Lee West (shoulder) are both ruled out because of injury.

Hooker Liam Brown and centre Phil Lythe both took knocks last weekend, but are hoping to play and front-rower Darrell Forster will feature after completing a ban carried over from last season.

It will be an emotional afternoon for Milford as they pay tribute to former player, captain and coach Norman Smith, who died last week.

A minute’s silence will be held in his memory before the game.

Hunslet Club Parkside visit Shaw Cross Sharks.

East Leeds are at home to another team with a 100 per cent record after two games in Division Two, Dudley Hill.

Dave Nurse, Luke Tomlinson – after suspension – and Ash James are all back in contention and spokesman Malcolm Waite said: “Our coach Peter Clarkson has the strongest squad he’s had available for a couple of years.

“It’s a big difference from last year when we were ringing round trying to find people to play. The camp’s good at this moment in time and hopefully we can keep it up.”

Oulton Raiders visit Drighlington in Division Two and in Division Three Stanningley play host to Woolston Rovers.