Nottingham v Yorkshire Carnegie - Exciting winger Elijah Niko set for debut

The powerful wideman recently signed from French club Beziers last week and debuts in the Championship Cup game at Nottingham.

Wellington-born Niko, 28, played rugby league as a junior, representing NRL giants Melbourne Storm as well as New Zealand Warriors.

He switched codes to be part of Australia’s Sevens squad before moving to France to play with Section Paloise, Albi and Beziers.

After back-to-back victories over Doncaster Knights, Carnegie can secure qualification into the knock-out stages with another win.

Their hopes are aided by the return of Pete Lucock to captain the side from centre where he is joined by Andy Forsyth, who recently spent time on dual-registration back at former club Leicester Tigers.

Because of that, on-loan Wasps player Jacob Umaga is able to switch to full-back at Nottingham after impressing at centre in last Saturday’s win at Doncaster.

Chris Elder, then, moves onto the wing but Mike Myerscough and Matt Smith are both ruled out after suffering concussion last week.

Prop Craig Mitchell is unavailable due to a neck injury but captain Richard Mayhew is expected to return to action soon.