Saints coach Steve Mitchell said Hogan and Crowley both had outside commitments and will be sorely missed againt the physical Magpies.

Mitchell said Danny Mitchell would return to the division one side and he would look at promoting another of the Saints younger players.

Mitchell said with the Saints unable to climb any further on the ladder and assured of a first-week final against Newcastle City he would not risk bringing back Beard early from a shoulder injury.

“We will look at how the guys pull up at training and if anyone has any injury concerns we will more than likely rest them,” he said.

Mitchell is confident his young side will give a good account of themselves and youngsters such as rising backman Chris Claridge may have to play a key positon role.

“The improvement in our youngsters has been terrific and I think we can give the finals a real shake,” he said.

Division two kicks off  the day against Wyong Lakes at noon.