I arrived at the ground at 0815 last Friday, and guess who was already on the pitch kicking? Newcastle coach Rob Andrew

The fly-half had a shoulder operation in January but Falcons coach Rob Andrew believes the England star could still make his mark on Newcastle's campaign.

"I feel there is a sting in the tail to come from Jonny this season," he said.

"The Powergen Cup final on 17 April (against Sale or Leeds) is within range, but first we have to win our semi-final against Pertemps Bees on Sunday."

Andrew said that Wilkinson had lost none of his supreme dedication to practice.

"Jonny is fully involved with everything we're doing in training, except for the contact stuff," Andrew said.

"I arrived at the ground at 0815 last Friday, and guess who was already on the pitch kicking?"

Victory over National League One giantkillers Pertemps Bees would clinch a Twickenham place for the third time in six seasons for the Falcons.

I think he will probably come back refreshed and better than ever From Tim Have your say on Scrum V

Meanwhile, Falcons' forwards coach Andrew Blades has denied that he is joining the staff of Australia coach Eddie Jones.

"It's not true that I am on my way back to Australia," said Blades, who was a World Cup winner with the Wallabies in 1999.

"At this stage, I haven't talked to anyone, and I think this has been put about because Eddie is looking at the coaching situation.

"I would like to stay at Newcastle because I feel there is unfinished business here.