Glen Innes' Alex Newsome has been named to start on the wing for the NSW Waratahs in their Super Rugby season opener against the Crusaders.
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The Waratahs tackle the defending champions in Nelson on Saturday afternoon.
Newsome will line up at 11, partnering debutant Mark Nawaqanitawse on the wing.
Speaking to The Leader late last year, Newsome spoke about wanting to "stand up" and "insert" himself on the competition this season.
"I was really happy with last year; I think I started every game but two games ... locking down a starting position is a primary goal," he said.
He also spoke of his desire to win a Super Rugby title with the Waratahs.
"I'm very excited by that challenge," he said.
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New Waratahs coach Rob Penney has selected a youthful NSW side for his first match day squad with Nawaqanitawse's Junior Wallabies' team-mate Will Harrison getting the nod at five-eighth for what will also be his debut.
Kurtley Beale will line up at fullback with Harrison assumes playmaking duties, with the utility back earning his 143rd Waratahs cap, taking him to second on the all-time appearance list.
Lalakai Foketi and Karmichael Hunt will pair up in the midfield.
Tom Robertson, Robbie Abel and Tetera Faulkner will pack down in the front row, with Harry Johnson-Holmes ruled out due to illness. Tom Staniforth will line up for his 50th Super Rugby cap alongside Rob Simmons in the second row, while Lachlan Swinton, Michael Hooper and Jed Holloway will form the back three.
Penny told AAP they will need a few things to go their way against a team that has won 31 consecutive home games, and to "play bloody well".
"We probably need to play one of the best games that we've played in a while," he said.
"They've got a hungry group, a group that has lost a wee bit of experience out of the core group, but they've still got the guts of a really strong unit."
Kick-off is 5.05pm AEST.
