Championship One preview: South Wales v Gateshead (Sun)

David James (back) is South Wales Scorpions’ only injury absentee as they prepare to host Gateshead Thunder in Sunday’s Kingstone Press Championship One clash.

Scorpions coach Dave Clark said: “We’ve still an opportunity to make the play-offs and we know we have to win the next few games.

“We picked up a bonus point in our last home game but we wanted, and should have had, more. It wasn’t good enough and we know we can do a lot better.

“Gateshead will be be full of enthusiasm and confidence. We’ve never lost to them, but games have been getting closer all the time.

“Gateshead will be going all out for victory and we’ve got to be good enough on the day to get all three points. I can’t underestimate the importance of this Sunday’s match.”

Thunder coach Kevin Neighbour could give a debut to Jared Stewart, who has had spells with Newcastle Falcons and Leeds Rhinos during the early part of his career.

Captain Jason Payne is also set to return to action after recovering from a recent ankle problem.