HEDLEY Verity returns to first-team action at Fylde tomorrow for his first game since damaging his neck at Launceston in mid-November, (writes Tony Simpson).

Fears for his career have been growing in recent weeks as a neck compression problem took longer to clear up than was expected, but a scan revealed no permanent damage, a return to action with the Foresters last weekend produced no after-effects other than a few stitches from a mouth injury and the management had no worries about putting him straight back into the side.

The prospect of Verity teaming up with Ben Wade in the back-row, however, is one the Dalesmen will have to wait another week to enjoy.

Wade, who made a very satisfactory debut last weekend in the win over Launceston, brought the baggage of three yellow cards with him from Hull Ionians and those were converted into a one-match ban by an RFU Disciplinary panel on the eve of his first appearance.

Wade's ban will be taken tomorrow, leaving Verity to join Paul Evans and Simon Hargreaves in the back-row.

Phil Hargreaves has also hoping to challenge for a first-team comeback after knee ligament trouble, but a strenuous workout in contact situations in mid-week confirmed that his optimism was premature and his return must wait.

Better news, though, of scrum-half Sam Cottrell, who spent an extra game on the sidelines as a precaution after hamstring problems last weekend. He is back on duty on the replacement bench tomorrow, alongside Craig Ingram, who gives way to Neil Dickinson by rotation, Alastair Allen and John Metcalfe.

Otherwise, the Dalesmen go in search of their first league win at Ansdell with the line-up which beat Launceston.

Wharfedale: J Davies; C Eccleston, A Baggett, C Malherbe, C Johnston; A Hodgson, D Whitfield; P Peel, J Ogden, N Dickinson, A Capstick, D Lister, H Verity, S Hargreaves, P Evans. Replacements: S Cottrell, C Ingram, J Metcalfe, A Allen.