The 23-year-old's last appearance was in England's 40-5 RBS Six Nations victory over Italy at Scotland, the No.10 captaining his country for the first time in the match.
Now, he must attempt to inspire the Falcons – currently bottom of the Premiership table – to an against-the-odds win against Leicester.
Newcastle Falcons (squad):
Forwards: Ian Peel, Micky Ward, Marius Hurter, Nick Makin, Matt Thompson, Mark Andrews, Stuart Grimes, Craig Hamilton, Epi Taione, Jon Dunbar, Hugh Vyvyan, Phil Dowson, Andrew Mower.
Backs: James Grindal, Hall Charlton, Jonny Wilkinson, Phil Godman, Mark Mayerhofler, Jamie Noon, Tom May, Gareth Maclure, Michael Stephenson, Joe Shaw.
Kick-off: Sunday, 14.30 GMT