A fresh start to 2010 will suit Ponty well, as the club seek to re-ignite the dwindling flame of a league campaign which has been badly disrupted by postponements of late.
With four of their last six league matches having been called off, and the other two games played ending in defeat, a return to action, and to winning ways will be the new year’s resolution for the Valley Commandos.
Currently out of contention for Ponty are wing Lewis Williams, with a hand injury, outside half Dean Gunter who has been laid low with a virus, centre Gavin Dacey suspended and flanker Rhys Lloyd just returned from domestic leave.
Chris Clayton comes in on the wing, with the versatile Aaron Bramwell taking over the outside centre role. Young lock McCauley Cook and flanker Darren Waters are given a chance to impress with places in the starting line up.
Pontypridd 15.Matthew Nuthall. 14.Kristian Baller. 13.Aaron Bramwell. 12.Adam Thomas. 11.Chris Clayton. 10.Dai Flanagan. 9.Rhys Downes; 1.Stuart Williams. 2.Huw Dowden. 3.Ryan Harford. 4.Chris Martenko. 5.McCauley Cook. 6.Chris Dicomidis. 7.Darren Waters. 8.Nathan Strong )capt)
Subs: Sam Hobbs; Rhys Williams; Lewis Smout; Grant Harrington; Wayne O’Connor; Dafydd Lockyer; Matt Hutchings.