MIKE Stanley will be heading back to Southend Saxons tomorrow – only this time as an opposition player.

The fly half, who lined up for Samoa in the World Cup last summer – has enjoyed two spells playing for Southend.

And Saxons’ director of rugby Chris Green admits it will be strange seeing Stanley playing for Old Elthamians at Warners Bridge this weekend.

“It will be a little bit weird seeing Mike playing against us rather than for us but that’s the way it is and we will have to just get on with it,” said Green.

“Once the game gets underway he will be treated exactly the same way as any of the other players on the other team.

“But once the game ends will have a good chat and a drink and hopefully we will be in a happier mood than him.”

Stanley has helped Old Elthamians work their way up to sixth in the National Two South standings.

However, if things had worked out slightly differently then he could well have been back in a Southend shirt.

“For a little while it did seem as though Mike would be coming back to us,” confirmed Green.

“But it didn’t happen so there’s no point going over it and we need to focus on those players we do have here.”

Southend are again expected to be without top try scorer Harry Hudson (ankle) this weekend.

Green is therefore likely to select the same squad which saw off Worthing 25-10 in their previous outing a fortnight ago.

But Green believes Saxons, who sit second from bottom in the table, will need to produce an improved performance if they are to secure back to back wins for the first time this season.

“We played well to beat Worthing but we will need to play even better if we are to beat Old Elthamians as well,” said Green.

“It’s another big game and it’s one we need to get a good result in.”

Southend were beaten 38-29 by Old Elthamians away from home earlier on in the season.