Friendships will be put to one side this weekend as Workington Town square off against a Newcastle Thunder team loaded with some familiar faces.

Liam McAvoy, Conor Fitzsimmons and Tee Ritson have all graced Derwent Park in the blue and white of Town in recent years.

But Town assistant coach Craig McDowell warned there would be no old friends act on Sunday when they return to West Cumbria, with the home side determined to take no prisoners.

"The lads are friendly obviously but for 80 minutes on the field there will be no friendship until the final whistle," said McDowell.

"We are going out there to take no prisoners but we know it will be a tough game.

"We have watched some videos of Tee Ritson and he played well against Bradford and we know we have to be on our game."

McDowell admitted Newcastle have recruited well and he believes Sunday will be a challenge - but one Town are ready for.

"Their recruitment policy has paid off and with the backing they have got, they are developing the club and making a push to have a real good dig in rugby league over there rather than just union," said McDowell.

"They are good across the board but, like us, they have also had a level of inconsistency.

"But, on their day, they are a really tough team to beat - just like ourselves."

Town racked up their second win in a row on the road at the weekend, when they beat Coventry Bears 52-4.

And McDowell said it was a great boost for the squad and everyone at the club.

"Everyone is just really positive as this was something we were looking for and we want to keep building on this," said McDowell.

"Now we have to look ahead and to massive preparations for another tough game against Newcastle at home on Sunday."