JONNY Wilkinson's third comeback of the season begins on Sunday, when he will be on the bench for Newcastle Falcons' Guinness Premiership match at London Irish.

It was against the Irish that he made his last appearance in November, kicking five penalties in a 23-20 home defeat on his fifth start of the season.

The fly half has taken longer than expected to recover from his groin operation, finding himself able to kick comfortably with one leg but not the other.

But he's now fully fit and the Falcons plan to feed him back in gently to allow him to rebuild confidence in his body after another season disrupted by injuries and a grumbling appendix.

Director of Rugby Rob Andrew said: "Jonny hasn't played since November, so logically the bench is the best place for him. There is no pre-meditated plan about when to bring him on and if things are going well he might not get on at all."

Dave Walder continues at fly half but will probably hand goal-kicking duties back to Matt Burke, who resumes at full back after missing the home win against Saracens two weeks ago with a knee injury.

While forwards Andy Perry and Mike McCarthy have signed extended contracts this week, Burke has yet to agree to stay beyond this summer.

But Andrew is hopeful, saying: "He seems very relaxed about the way the talks are coming on and we hope to sort something out in the near future."

Perry, the former Royal Marine who joined from Plymouth Albion last summer on a two-year deal, has signed a one-year extension.

Andrew said: "He has made a significant impact in a short time. His physical style has helped give us a new dimension up front and his attitude off the field has been excellent."

With Jamie Noon on England duty and Mathew Tait in Los Angeles with the England Sevens squad, the Falcons welcome back Mark Mayerhofler after injury and he forms a new centre pairing with Joe Shaw.

Andy Buist, normally a lock, takes over at No 8 from skipper Colin Charvis, who is playing for Wales against Scotland tomorrow. The one other change sees Cory Harris return at open side for Ben Woods.

Darlington Mowden Park have signed two Newcastle students who are colleagues of their second row, Anthony Peck.

Prop Robert Kalbraier and utility back Anthony Mellalien are likely to be in the squad for tomorrow's visit to Leicester Lions, a side Mowden will be looking to overhaul in the battle to avoid relegation from National Three North.

Danny Brown, Matt Holmes and Luke Monument are still injured, although the latter two expect to be fit for next week's visit of Fylde.

Scrum half Andy Foreman and lock Iain Robinson will return tomorrow and there is a chance that centre Gareth Kerr could be fit to return.

That would allow Eni Gisende to revert to open side, with Junior Fagalilo expected to continue at No 6 as Mark Darlington did an excellent job at hooker last week.

Both Darlington clubs are away tomorrow and both are at home next week, although they then revert to alternating until the April 8 meeting at Mowden.

Darlington have winger Simon Crozier and back row man Del Lewis unavailable for the trip to Hull Ionians.

Martin Howe returns at open side, Joe Naga is likely to start in the second row and hooker Rob Goddard will be back in place of Rob Kribble. Prop Paul Scott is available for bench duties, where Rob Stewart will again feature, although he didn't get on in the tight cup tie at West Hartlepool last week.

West will be hoping their improved form proves too good for tomorrow's struggling visitors, Stockton, who are next to the bottom of North Two East. Stockton recall Tom Armstrong at centre after his broken hand, Dan Taylor dropping to the bench.