Oxford RL make a long trip north tomorrow looking to bounce back after two successive defeats.

Tony Benson’s side take on Gateshead Thunder bidding to get their season back on track.

Oxford have slipped to sixth in the table, but are only two points behind Hemel Stags in third.

The visitors will be looking to do the double over Gateshead after beating them 27-22 at Iffley Road earlier this season.

“It is another big game this week where we will be looking at bouncing back,” Benson said.

“It was a close game last time we played them and I am expecting another tight encounter on Sunday.

“They are a better team now than when they faced them earlier in the season as they have added to their squad.”

Oxford captain Alex Thompson is urging his side to start on the front foot.

“We need to give them the respect they deserve and we need to make sure that we turn up with our heads on and be positive.”

Benson welcomes back centre Sean Morris after he missed the last two matches when away with the World Barbarians.

Valu and Andrew Bentley will be assessed in training this week after picking up knocks in the defeat to Oldham last weekend.

Dave Ellison misses the match after breaking a cheek bone whilst Lucas Onyango joins Luke Evans on the long-term injury list.

Oxford RL: from Leather, Halliwell, Morris, S Robinson, Connick, B Robinson, V Bentley, A Bentley, Roden, Hadden, Osborn, Hoggins, Johnson, Clough, Baird, Thompson, Clarke, Calladine, Fiander, Burch, Blewitt, Lynch.