In the backs, Will Greenwood returns to partner Viliame Satala in the centre. Nick Greenstock drops to the bench.

After making his first appearance of the season as a replacement against the Sharks, Nick Duncombe starts at scrum half in place of Scott Bemand, who is amongst the replacements.

In the pack, Alex Codling has recovered from a hamstring injury and he takes the place of Jim Evans in the second row.

"We were disappointed not to have picked up four points against the Sharks last week," said Mark Evans, NEC Harlequins Chief Executive. "The Zurich Premiership is a very close competition, and we need to start turning our improving performances into victories."

"We are all looking forward to playing Newcastle on Saturday. Over the last couple of years we have had some very close tussles against them and I am sure that this Saturday will be no different."

The full team is as follows:

15. Nathan Williams
14. Matt Moore
13. Will Greenwood
12. Viliame Satala
11. Ben Gollings
10. David Slemen
9. Nick Duncombe
1. Jason Leonard (Capt.)
2. Tani Fuga
3. Laurent Gomez
4. Bill Davison
5. Alex Codling
6. Ace Tiatia
7. Pat Sanderson
8. Tony Diprose

Replacements:
16. Bruce Starr
17. Jim Evans
18. Karl Rudzki
19. Luke Sherriff
20. Scott Bemand
21. Nick Greenstock
22. Rob Jewell