The hooker will assume the captaincy with Bart Leach, who has performed the duties in regular skipper Conrad Starr's absence, getting a week's rest to get over some niggles.

Co-coach Mick Squires said it was always the plan for the stalwart to have this game off. Just as things have turned out he "probably needed it".

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He said Collins was "stoked" to learn he would be captaining the side.

"He deserves that. He's got a lot of respect among the team," he said.

"He's been a good clubman.

"And he plays like a captain, leads from the front."

It will be a big day for the Collins clan with older brother Andrew making his starting return as he continues his comeback from a knee injury.

He had about 55 minutes off the bench against Gunnedah last week and "went better than expected."

In a welcome boost, Starr is also poised to make his return off the bench.

"The goal with Starry is just to give him probably 20 or 25 minutes at the back end," Squires said.

With Tony O'Connor also on the bench, he said, besides Leach, it is probably the strongest pack they've fielded this season.

On the flip side of that they have had to rejig the backline with Damian Reti and Mitch Dening out with injuries.

"Mitch is maybe one week, more, we think, likely two. Damian is looking at four weeks for his ankle," Squires said.

He and Todd Pascoe have also switched Andrew Moodie and Brendan Rixon around with Moodie slotting back into five-eighth and Rixon starting at inside centre.

Sam Collett will partner him in the centres while Wes Rooney comes in at fullback and Morgan Pennefather on the wing.

A game they would be expected to win, looking to to arrest a three-game losing run, Squires said they won't be taking the Rams lightly.

"We won't be taking our foot off the gas. We've obviously not just got to get some form back but some confidence back," he said.

He added that he and Pascoe have some key indicators they are looking for.

"Defensively be a lot stronger, and our lineout and breakdown work to be a lot more effective, and the backs to create some space," he said.

The Pirates women will kick-off the action at 2.30pm. They will play back-to-back with no reserve grade with Gwydir River Rats (Barraba second grade) pulling out of the competition.

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