Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss will give Harry McLaughlin-Phillips first chance at the hotly-contested ten jersey in Friday’s trial against the Western Force in Perth.
McLaughlin-Phillips will start at ten, with new recruit Carter Gordon named on the bench in the opening trial, set to be played in three 30-minute periods.
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Incumbent Tom Lynagh will likely get his chance to impress during next week's trial against the NSW Waratahs.
“Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has really impressed during the pre-season. He'll start at No.10. Carter Gordon has added significant value to the squad and he'll come off the bench,” Kiss said in a statement.
He will partner Australia U20s scrumhalf James Martens in the halves, who re-signed with the club earlier on Wednesday.
Kiss has named nine capped Wallabies for the hit-out, including newly re-signed lock Josh Canham and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.
Further internationals include Matt Faessler at hooker, with Hunter Paisami slotting into the midfield.
Australia U20s star Nicholas Conway starts at fullback, while emerging back-rower Vaiuta Latu will get a chance to shine at number eight following Harry Wilson’s knee surgery.
There is a mix of youth and experience on the bench, with Wallaby props Zane Nonggorr and Aidan Ross joined by Australia U18s forwards Tom Robinson and Will Ross.
"For Perth, it's exciting to see this blend of experienced players with the young guys who put their hands up for the Reds in the matches against Tonga and the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights plus Super Rugby AUS at the back end of last season," Kiss believes.
"We were certainly impressed by guys like Vaiuta Latu, James Martens, Xavier Rubens and others playing as Reds for the first time in that block of games. Nicholas Conway will get his first chance at fullback for us in this trial.
“Across our two trials, most of our squad will get opportunities on the field so we have factored that in."
Venue: Scotch College, Perth
Kick-off: Friday, 6:35pm Qld time
1 George Blake
2 Matt Faessler
3 Massimo De Lutiis
4 Josh Canham
5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
6 Joe Brial
7 John Bryant
8 Vaiuta Latu
9 James Martens
10 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
11 Xavier Rubens
12 Hunter Paisami
13 Isaac Henry
14 Lachie Anderson
15 Nicholas Conway
Reserves
Zac Hough, Harrison Usher, Zane Nonggorr, Hamish Muller, Tom Robinson, Kalani Thomas, Carter Gordon, Jock Campbell, Aidan Ross, Nick Bloomfield, Charlie Brosnan, Dre Pakeho, Tim Ryan, Will Ross
