Everyone should be pushing for a starting shirt urges eager Lewis

HEAD coach Gareth Lewis has told his new-look Huddersfield squad they all have chance to prove they are worth a National II North starting slot.

Promoted as champions last season from what is now the North Premier Division – formerly National III North – Field are keen to establish themselves at the higher level, starting away to South Leicester on Saturday, September 2.

Before then, however, the Lockwood Park men have two key build-up matches – away to Preston Grasshoppers tomorrow and at home to Pocklington the following Saturday.

Experienced former Sandal centre Mark Pease is to have an ankle operation on September 6 and is not expected back until mid-October, but apart from that Lewis has a full squad.

“Everyone is excited to get going again,” said Lewis, who has made several signings.

“We have some new combinations, so the pre-season games will be about the players getting familiar with each other and imprementing the game plan.

“Every player has an opportunity to stake their claim for a place in the squad for the opening league game, so it will be fascinating to see how they front up against what will be a strong Preston Grasshoppers side.

“In many respects, they are in a similar position to ourselves 12 months ago, aiming to bounce back at the first attempt.”

Prop Adam Blades is back at Huddersfield having spent excellent spells at both Halifax and Otley and Lewis has brought in four players from Cleckheaton – Jack Bickerdike, No8 Richard Piper, Josh Malkinson and back row Joey Carly.

Lewis has England Development duo, scrum half Ollie Fox and fly half Harry Davey, on dual registration from Yorkshire Carnegie.

Harrogate winger Greg Aspin has signed among the other backs, along with Brandon Conway Pease, Danny Grainger, Elliot Knight, Ollie Scrimshaw and the evergreen Joel Hinchliffe.

Among the forwards tied are Declan Thompson, his brother Austen, Adam Malthouse, talented Lewis Bradley, Francis Entressengle, Ben Morrill, Callum Thompson (no relation) and Adam Tamanis.