BARROW Island Coach Jamie Curtis gives youth an opportunity when they face Saddleworth at the John Jefferson Stadium this weekend (kick off 2-30pm).
Seth Woodend, Brad Warne and Ollie Holmes are included in the squad in the absence of Max-Anderson-Moore, Sam Jones and Aide Wright who are off to warmer climes, while Jordan Staffieri is out through injury and Dan Wright rated at 50-50.
On the plus side, experienced campaigners Jack Sutherland and Shane Sanderson are back in the fold.
Curtis said: “Time to give the youngsters an opportunity, they are good lads, and I will see how they go.
“We have played reasonably well in our first four games, but came unstuck at Wigan St Jude’s two weeks ago conceding over 60 points.
“That performance was well below our standards and the scoreboard showed that.
“I am looking to pick up a few points in the next batch of games.”
Both teams were out of action last week due to waterlogged pitches.
Island are fourth off bottom on four points with Saddleworth a place below on two points.
Millom take on Thornhill Trojans at Devonshire Road and welcome back Ethan Kelly with several “A” teamers coming into the reckoning.
The Woolybacks were 18-10 winners over Ellenborough last weekend, but it was a costly win with Jude Lupton (dislocated shoulder), Jonathan Hodgson (hamstring) and Ross Brookes (groin) all leaving the field.
Brookes will have a late fitness test and is hopeful of being given the green light.
In the North West Men’s League, Hindpool are home to Rochdale Mayfield (kick-off 2-30pm).
Coach Kev Kyte names a strong 18-man squad which is minus Grant Burns, Kieron Sharp and Rocco Scarpone.
Making his Tigers debut is Sam Turner, while impressive performances in the “A” earns Ewan Mawhinney and Sam Beatie a place in the squad.
Roose Pioneers are on the road, away to Wigan Springview but not on the bus are Matty Roberts, Glenn Phillips, Duane Gaitskell, Craig Deakin, Euan James, Ethan Bowness, Taylor Roberts and Tom Farrren.
Joe Geere makes his senior debut while in the squad are Sam Johnson, Sam Lester, Toby Bowness and Tyler Brady.
Ulverston are away at Burtonwood Bridge and welcome back Dan Akrigg and Evan Foster.
Unavailable due to work are Dan Horne and Kieron Potter, while out injured are Josh Bayliss and Pat Cush.
Dalton are at West Houghton Lions with Ewan Costa and Isaac Barbour back in the fold, while Jack Crarey is ruled out for the season with a knee injury.
In the Cumberland league, Askam are home to Maryport, and are set to give Lewis Stables a start after impressing from the bench last time out.
Luke Bolton returns, while fitness tests await Rob Cockayne (elbow) and Lewis Affleck (calf).
In the Barrow League tonight Hindpool/Roose Pioneers are home to Ulverston. Walney Central failed to raise enough players for their scheduled game with Barrow Island.
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