After a heavy defeat at Stockport, Penrith look to kickstart their North One West season at home to Douglas.
The Isle of Man side opened with a decent effort at Vale of Lune where they lost 24-20.
The main concern for Penrith, apart from the result at Stockport, was the injury list which mounted rapidly during the game.
Scrum-half George Graham came off in the first half with a bad shoulder injury and looks as if he could be out until Christmas.
Craig Price had his hand stood on and initially it was the size of a teapot but his prognosis is a bit better. It’s not broken and a couple of weeks should see him back in action.
Also stood on the touchline injured at the end of the game, as Penrith were reduced to 13, were Scott Lancaster (neck), Arran Pamphilon (bad cramp) and Adam Howe (ankle).
Fortunately all reported fit at training this week although Pamphilon is not available.
Penrith fans at Winters Park on Saturday will see two old faces in the backs who have returned to the club.
Stand-off Mike Fearon is in his second spell at the club and a bit handier for home and his new baby while winger Steven Cherry has finally fought off a series of injuries and is fit again.
Matty Allinson comes in for Pamphilon and last year’s captain Ed Swale, who has recovered from a torn tendon, steps in at scrum half to replace Graham.
In the pack the front row should be familiar to supporters but Andy Muir has moved forward to hooker and plays his second full game there.
Dan Richardson is partnered in the second row by Ben Higgens, a former Keswick forward who has moved to Appleby and just landed at training. At 6ft 3ins he is a more than decent addition to the squad.
One more old face returning is in the back row. JJ Key, has decided to play again and looks to have made the number eight role his own.
The bench often reflects the strength of a side and if that’s the case Penrith have a good one out to face the Manxmen.
Craig Tyson is in for Price while Josh Dowson can cover both the forwards and the backs.
The experienced Ryan Johnson has been training well and is expected to come on and more than make his presence felt.
