Scorpions prepare for Thunder test

South Wales Scorpions could give a debut to towering forward Mike Stubbs in Sunday’s Co-operative Championship One fixture with Gateshead Thunder.

Scorpions chairman Phil Davies said: “We’ve had Mike on the books for three week.

“He’s played for Gloucester, Sale and Pontypool in the past and he’s been with us getting up to the fitness standards of rugby league. We might just unleash him this Sunday.”

Lewis Mills could make his first appearance of the season while Aled James could also return for a fixture that will see children under 11 gain free admission providing a paying adult accompanies them.

Thunder coach Richard Pell was encouraged by his side’s second half display against Keighley last week.

Pell said: “It’s shown that we can do it for 40 minutes, but we can’t fall in love with ourselves.”

Thunder are likely to name the same starting 13, but Karl Brandt, David Norman and Gary Sargeant are unavailable.

Wayne Green could return, while north east amateur David Cash could be given a chance to impress.

Thunder will travel on Saturday in order to aid their preparation, but Pell insisted they will not pay too much attention to Scorpions’ team.

He said: “Before we start looking at other teams and what they’re doing, we need to get ourselves right.”