NEWCASTLE Falcons have named Craig Newby and Soa Otuvaka in their squad for tonight's match against The Cats, although there is every chance they will be on the bench with a view to playing for Darlington Mowden Park tomorrow.

The two flankers made their Mowden debuts in last week's win at Blaydon, and although they are currently registered with the Darlington club they can still play in tonight's friendly against the South African side.

To play in a Premiership match they would have to be re-registered by the Falcons and would then not be allowed any more moves this season.

Their presence is required tonight because Andy Mower is with Scotland and Epi Taione has a neck problem. But with Natal's Warren Britz making his debut against his countrymen and Phil Dowson back from England Sevens duty, the Falcons still have plenty of back row options.

Britz will definitely play, but Mark Andrews has gone home to South Africa for ten days and will return with his family hoping to get fully fit in time for the match at Wasps on March 1.

The Cats will include Springbok hooker James Dalton and flanker Bobby Skinstadt in their line-up for the 7.30 kick-off.

With Jonny Wilkinson on England duty and Phil Godman with Scotland Under 21s, the Falcons will have to revert to playing Mark Wilkinson at fly half, especially as Mark Mayerhofler is again doubtful with his groin injury.

Mowden are at home to struggling Bedford Athletic tomorrow and will have Richard Holbrough back at scrum half as Jon Wrigley has a shoulder problem.

Blaydon stage their rearranged match against Tynedale, which was frozen off last month, and recall Paul Ritson at hooker and David Dalrymple at fly half.

Ritson replaces Tasi Tuhana, whose throwing-in was unsatisfactory last week.

Chris Nunn comes in at centre with Gerry Viguurs switching to the wing at the expense of Andy Foreman, who prefers to play at scrum half but is being kept out by Mick Dungait.

Tynedale, facing their fourth successive defeat, have Alistair Hopps at centre in place of their injured leading try scorer Paul Boston.

Tomorrow should have been Durham Cup first round day, but league matches take priority and among the other rearranged games are Aspatria v Darlington, Stockton v Scarborough and Redcar v Horden.

The Blaydon v Horden cup tie has been pencilled in for Tuesday night, but as Horden have some players on shift work they may yet seek a postponement. They stress, however, that they have no intention of pulling out.

They have doubts about centre David Grand and winger Chris Purivs for tomorrow, when Stockton will be hoping for a Horden win to keep Redcar below them.

Stockton bring in Phil Austen for unavailable flanker Brett Wildridge, while Nicki Walters is at fly half, with Simon Moore reverting to full back.