Impressive lock Will Ross is excited by Sunday afternoon's interstate clash when the two powers of Super Rugby Next Gen meet at Ballymore Stadium.
The Queensland Reds Next Gen team know how big the challenge is against their NSW Waratahs rivals but that is a challenge that Ross and his teammates relish.
"There's always a keen rivalry with NSW at any level. We know they'll come in hot. So will we," Ross said.
"We showed we have strengths in the pack and the backs last weekend against the ACT Brumbies and that gives us confidence in what we want to put out on the field."
Dre Pakeho has been selected at flyhalf with Sam McGahan unfortunately ruled out after a head knock at training during the week.
At hooker, there is upbeat news with John Grenfell making his return after a long layoff to beat a hamstring injury. The Reds will be well served in the position with replacement hooker Charlie Hollyman having an excellent game against the Brumbies.
Ross, under his trademark red headgear, was a prominent figure in the 47-31 win over the Brumbies in Canberra. The match was closer than the scoreline with the Brumbies jumping to a 14-0 lead early and leading 19-14 early in the second half.
"There was some good talk when we were behind. It was a matter of us cleaning up simple mistakes and getting down in their half," Ross said.
"As a tight forward, I was most pleased with the maul tries that helped us get on top. They set the tone and they are a strength to go to again."
The 2m Ross has been training with the main Reds squad and enjoying the benefits.
"I'm loving it. It's good to training with the Wallabies boys which is something I never imagined a year or two ago. Getting lineout advice from Lukhan (Salakaia-Loto), and help from guys like Harry Wilson, Matt Faessler and Seru Uru has been really helpful," Ross enthused.
2:05pm AEST, Sunday
Ballymore Stadium
Livestream on Rugby.com.au YouTube and Rugby Xplorer
1 Kingsley Uys Bond University
2 John Grenfell University of Queensland
3 Levi Slater Easts
4 Will Ross Brothers
5 Kenneth Harris Bond University
6 Teina Grahan Brothers
7 Ilan Cloete Easts
8 Angus Kelly University of Queensland
9 Alfie Bowman Easts
10 Dre Pakeho Brothers
11 Taione Taka Brothers
12 Treyvon Pritchard Brothers
13 Frankie Goldsbrough Easts
14 Nic Lynagh University of Queensland
15 Tom Howard University of Queensland
16 Charlie Hollyman University of Queensland
17 Jacob Job Wests
18 Trevor King Souths
19 Will Pascoe Wests
20 Charlie Brosnan Brothers
21 Cooper Stewart University of Queensland
22 Josh Takai Brothers
23 Ryan Heaton Norths
Head Coach Dale Roberson Reds Academy
Assistant Coach Cian O'Connor Wests
Assistant Coach Anthony Mathison
