FALCONS A V SALE TEAM NEWS
Academy head coach James Ponton takes a strong squad to Greater Manchester which includes first team regulars Grant Shiells, Jamie Helleur, Jordi Pasqualin and Joel Hodgson.
Fly-half Hodgson partners Pasqualin at half back while Helleur and Tait form an exciting combination at the heart of the Falcons backline.
With creativity in abundance, promising youngster Zach Kibirige will be hoping to capitalise out wide.
In the pack Shiells starts at loose-head with Scott Wilson at tight-head and George McGuigan at hooker. Cumbrian talent Joe Robinson gets the nod in the back-row as the men from the North East aim for a winning start.
“There is a good mix of experience and youth in the side and we know it is going to be a tough game at Heywood Road,” said Ponton.
He added: “Sale are a class outfit and we will be looking to build on the foundations of the Currie game. If we do that and perform there on the night then we will get the result that I know these lads are capable of.”
**Newcastle Falcons:** 15 Chris Harris, 14 Zach Kibirige, 13 Michael Tait, 12 Jamie Helleur (c), 11 Jonny Neville, 10 Joel Hodgson, 9 Jordi Pasqualin, 1 Grant Shiells, 2 George McGuigan, 3 Scott Wilson, 4 Josh Hedley, 5 Chris Wearmouth, 6 Joe Robinson, 7 James Hamilton, 8 Guy van den Dries
**Reps:** 16 Nicolo Nyemba, 17 James Hallam, 18 Matthew Lowes, 19 Josh Pettet, 20 Finlay Coxon-Smith, 21 Jonny Burn, 22 Simon Hammersley, 23 Sam Hanks
