NEWPORT return to Rodney Parade on Sunday (kick-off 2.30pm) looking to bounce back from last weekend’s somewhat surprising loss to Llanelli.

In Aberavon, the Black and Ambers host a side bang in form following three wins on the spin.

Included in that run is a mightily impressive toppling of reigning Principality Premiership champions Merthyr.

Their 22-14 defeat of last season’s double winners also came on the road, a clear sign that the Wizards aren’t fazed by a partisan home crowd on their backs.

Aberavon’s only loss so far this season came in the first televised Friday night game against Ebbw Vale at Eugene Cross Park.

That was one that got away from the Wizards, as the Steelmen fought back from 17-0 down to edge it 19-17.

Since then Aberavon have beaten Pontypridd, Merthyr and Llandovery, while they also saw off Swansea on the opening weekend of the new campaign.

Honours were even last season as Newport won the corresponding fixture 22-9 before the Wizards gained revenge with a 41-5 drubbing at the Talbot Athletic Ground.

In the head-to-head, Aberavon and Newport have met each other 40 times in the league with the Black and Ambers leading the series 23-17.

At Rodney Parade, the home side lead 14-6 and have won the last three games there.

They will be keen for a response following that 30-17 reverse against Llanelli at Parc y Scarlets.

Meanwhile, the funeral of former player Gordon Keeley, who passed away last month aged 90, will take place next Monday.

There will be a church service at St Mary’s in Magor (2.30pm) before a private cremation.

After the church service, mourners are invited to The Wheatsheaf in Magor for refreshments.