John Padgett returns to the back row for Sunderland seconds as they visit Gateshead on Saturday.
The firsts have a week off this week so the second and third team cups take centre stage. With only four substitutes allowed in either game selection proved tricky but both have managed to name strong sides.
It's been a difficult season so far fo
r the seconds and they hope a good cup run will provide inspiration for the remainder of the Candy League campaign.
David Bains and Tim Tombling will be in action after getting a chance in the firsts and will look to develop their fledgling combination.
Sam Jordan continues to develop his experience in the centres rather than his usual wing berth while Alan Ross provides front row cover from the bench.
Sunderland thirds are also away from home and face a tough task at Darlington Mowden Park. Michael Brace drops down from the seconds to replace an unlucky Andy Kyle, who will start on the bench, while Sean Marshall continues in the absence of the injured Tommy Harrison.
Sunderland II (away to Gateshead Fell, meet 12pm): Buckley, Geehan, Geal, Elstob, Smith, Stormont, Padgett, Mackie, Bains, Tombling, Wilkinson, Heffernan, Jordan, Atkinson, Abraham. Reps: Ross, Simpson, Bengochea, Hanlon.
Sunderland III (away to Mowden Park III, meet 12pm): Marshall, Wright, Buddington, Bellfield, Turnbull, S. Marshall, Hurst, Wilson, Brace, Grainger, Hands, Simpson, D. Wright, Ditchburn, Swann. Reps from: Kyle, Watson, G.Edmundson, Walton, Lawson, Groark, Goschorn.
