Zac Lomax will make his professional Rugby debut on Saturday after being named for the Western Force to face the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium.
Lomax will come off the bench, having joined the group last month following his move from the NRL.
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The outside back joined in the warm-ups with the Force before last week’s defeat to the Chiefs, with Suncorp Stadium a familiar environment for the 26-year-old.
Lomax made his international debut at the venue in 2024 against Tonga, playing three games for Australia, and earlier that year, he helped NSW to a State of Origin victory at the ground.
"He's a natural athlete. He's big, strong, fast and powerful so we've done a bit of work with him since he got here and he's very confident," coach Simon Cron said.
"We're in a position now where I think it's a great opportunity for him to play coming off the bench so it gives him a chance to work his way into the game."
The impending debut of the cross-code star is one of several changes for Cron’s side, who also welcome Dylan Pietsch back for the first time in 2026.
The Wallaby has been sidelined with a plantar fasciitis issue in his foot, named to start on the wing.
Former Munster flanker Jack Daly will also debut for the club, named to start after a knee injury to Carlo Tizzano, who is set to be ruled out for several weeks.
"We're thinking it'll be a couple of weeks...Carlo was playing some great Rugby so it's unfortunate but we have to have a squad that can handle losing some of our top guys," Cron added.
Tizzano is joined on the sidelines by Jeremy Williams as he goes through HIA protocols, leaving Nick Champion de Crespigny to skipper the team.
For the Reds, they have also welcomed back Test experience in the form of hooker Matt Faessler.
Faessler has missed the past four games with a knee injury and was named to the bench.
Flyhalf Carter Gordon has also been cleared to return after a lower leg issue, partnering with Kalani Thomas in the halves.
Teenager Treyvon Pritchard earns his first start, while Wallaby Zane Nonggorr has been added to the bench.
Meanwhile, Tom Lynagh misses out, with the flyhalf ruled out due to illness.
"It's good news to have a player like 'Faess' returning with his experience. The competition we have between three quality hookers is fantastic," coach Les Kiss said.
"I know Faess is champing at the bit to contribute.
"Treyvon has certainly shown what he is capable of in his minutes off the bench this season. It's only scratching the surface of his potential and he gets to take another step in his learning with experienced Wallabies around him.
"It means again that we have three strong backline players to finish the game from the bench with Louis, Harry and Tim Ryan."
REDS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Josh Nasser, Nick Bloomfield, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, Carter Gordon, Treyvon Pritchard, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Filipo Daugunu, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Zane Nonggorr, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan
FORCE (1-15): Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Misinale Epenisa, Franco Molina, Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny (c), Jack Daly, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson, Darby Lancaster, Bayley Kuenzle, George Bridge, Dylan Pietsch, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Nic Dolly, Sef Fa'agase, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Lopeti Faifua, Will Harris, Nathan Hastie, Kurtley Beale, Zac Lomax
