NEWCASTLE Falcons’ Amlin Challenge Cup hopes might be hanging by a thread, but today’s home game with Exeter promises to be a red-letter day in Joel Hodgson’s career.

Newcastle-born Hodgson graduated from Falcons’ Academy this summer, having helped his school, Newcastle RGS, reach the final of the Daily Mail Schools Cup at Twickenham.

He made his senior debut from the bench in October’s European victory over Bourgoin, and will make his first start in the No 9 shirt when Exeter visit Kingston Park tomorrow.

“His enthusiasm is second to none, and if we could all put a bit in of what he’s got, we would be all right,” said head coach Alan Tait.

“The lad is always full of life and full of beans, but at the same time we know where he is and he’s got a fair bit to go with his conditioning and physical side.

“His enthusiasm gets him through. He’s in at nine, a position he’s used to, but the forwards are going to have to make sure we get clean ball so he can provide good service to the backs.”

Last weekend’s 36-10 defeat at Exeter’s Sandy Park means Falcons are extremely unlikely to qualify for the Challenge Cup’s knockout stage.

However, with the Boxing Day visit of Aviva Premiership relegation rivals Leeds Carnegie looming large, Tait has selected a strong starting line-up for tomorrow’s game.

“We’re having tough battles week in week out, and Exeter will provide us with a tough test as they have a very formidable pack,” said Tait.

“Our lads are itching to get out there on the field and put one over on Exeter. But as long as we don’t come away with any injuries, I’ll be happy.”

Newcastle’s leading points scorer, Jimmy Gopperth, partners Hodgson at half-back, with Luke Eves and Tane Tu’ipulotu slotting into the centre berths.

South African Gcobani Bobo reclaims his position on the wing, and there is also a start for the in-form Luke Fielden, who will feature at full-back.

Grant Shiells and Matt Thompson are handed starts in the front row, with Tim Swinson, Redford Pennycook and skipper Ally Hogg all returning to the pack.

NEWCASTLE FALCONS (vs Exeter): Fielden, M Tait, Tu’ipulotu, Eves, Bobo, Gopperth, Hodgson; Shiells, Thompson, Brookes, Levi, Swinson, Welch, Pennycook, Hogg.

Replacements: Ward, Fearn, Hall, Townson, M Wilson, Manning, Fitzpatrick, Williams.

A pitch inspection will take place at Kingston Park at 10am this morning.

If the pitch is unplayable, the game will be played tomorrow at Galashiels with a 1pm start.

The Borders ground has undersoil heating.