Hill excited by Pennell and Mullan return

Richard Hill believes returning duo Chris Pennell and Matt Mullan will overcome any ‘psychological barrier’ when they make their first league starts of the season – admitting the incentive of pushing for a place in the squad for the play-offs is huge for his star duo.

Head Coach Hill has confirmed club captain Pennell will start the RFU Championship local derby game at full back while England prop Matt Mullan will pack down at loose-head after his previous display against Currie in the cup.

Hill admits he is genuinely excited about watching the pair back in league action after lengthy lay-offs this season.

And he believes both are mentally strong enough to be back to full confidence in a matter of weeks as the race for places in the team for the end of season play-offs heats-up.

“Chris Pennell will play his first game for us and I am really excited about that. Matt Mullan will also play his first league game for us,” said Hill.

“Injuries heal and we would not put either of them onto the field unless they were right. Matt has done all the contact work in training and the physios are happy. The same applies to Chris. We wouldn’t play him if there was an issue.

“Now it is about what goes on in the head. You have to believe that you are right as a player and get that first bit of live contact in a match. Suddenly they will know it is okay.

“It is a psychological barrier to get over. Some players take a while to get confidence back. But both are confident and good professional who are desperately keen to get in to the play-off team – that is a huge incentive. In one or two matches they will be back to full confidence.

Back row Matt Kvesic and wing Andy Short will also both feature at Damson Park after England Under-20 duty and Hill admits the players on show at Bees will have plenty to play for with his play-off selection still not set in stone.

He added: “The players coming in want to prove a point so I think we will get a really good game. There are a lot of players that will be given an opportunity to show what they can do and have a lot to play for.

Selection might change a little bit. Yes, it appears to have been settled until now, but we are coming into nice weather and harder grounds. Some players were doing very well in those conditions at the start of the season.

“We reverted to a bigger and heavier pack in the winter, but now the conditions have changed there is still a lot to play for. The 22 for the play-offs is not settled at all.”

Tickets for the Bees versus Warriors game are available from the Warriors Box Office up until noon on Wednesday by calling 01905 454183. Tickets can also be purchased by ringing Bees direct on 0121 705 0409 or emailing Ben Seifas at ben.seifas@beesrugby.com .Ticket prices are £15 for Adults, £10 for Concessions and £5 for Children.


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