London Skolars take on another of League 1’s promotion chasers this weekend as they greet the rejuvenated Newcastle Thunder this Sunday 3pm at White Hart Lane. London Skolars will be boosted for the game by the return of Joel Wicks and the introduction of Glenn Riley from the London Bronco’s.

Hulking prop forward Glenn Riley (pictured) will appear for the London Skolars this weekend as part of his rehabilitation returning from injury. Riley, who hails from Cumbria, spent most of his junior tutelage at Super league side Warrington Wolves also appearing for their first team a number of times, he has substantial championship experience, appearing over several spells for Swinton Lions. London Skolars also are able to welcome back John Paxton and Will Lovell who both missed out on the trip to York due to other commitments. The side will be looking to build on last week’s trip to York, where they were competitive and positive for large periods of the game, before again suffering lapses of concentration, allowing a flurry of points to be scored, which has been symptomatic of the Skolars problems this season. These experienced additions to the side will be greatly welcomed and should go a long way to combat the aforementioned issues.

Newcastle head into this game in an unusually high position in comparison to recent seasons, this can be attributed by the influx of funds into the club both on and off the pitch as well as the guidance of experienced Super League player as head coach- Stanley Gene. There is a good feeling around the club and they will be looking to continue that with a good performance this weekend, which will add some required consistency to their campaign. They have pulled off some impressive and emphatic victories this season against the likes of York, Gloucestershire and Hemel, as well as showing grit to grind out results against promotion competitors such as Barrow, North Wales and Rochdale. If they can notch another victory this weekend then they can edge closer to reaching three consecutive wins, their largest streak of this season (which in all fairness is indicative of the competitiveness of the division this season). There is a wealth of Super League experience within their squad with a number of players who have represented Hull KR, as well as former French international Sebastian Martins and the fans favourite PNG trio they are a side to be feared and are serious contenders for the division, which should all combine to provide a tantalizing clash.

Kick off is 3pm at New River Stadium.

Adult tickets – £12

Concessions – £6