New Sydney Roosters five-eighth Setaimata Sa has been given first shot at the berth left open by Braith Anasta's season-ending injury - and walked headlong into one of the NRL's biggest challenges.
The 101kg Sa will come up against NSW State of Origin pivot Trent Barrett when the last-placed Roosters host in-form Cronulla at the SFS on Saturday night.
Barrett has been in superb touch for the Sharks, resulting in a recall to State of Origin football four years after his last appearance.
Craig Fitzgibbon regains the Roosters captaincy in Anasta's absence.
The Sharks get back NSW duo Barrett and Paul Gallen as they shoot for their fifth straight win.
Daryl Millard comes into the centres for injured Bulldog Jamal Idris ahead of Friday night's showdown with North Queensland at ANZ Stadium.
Idris will miss up to five weeks of football after suffering an elbow injury in the win over Penrith.
Queensland prop Ben Hannant returns in place of Chris Armit.
Promising backrower Matt Prior returns for St George Illawarra against Wests Tigers on Friday night a month after breaking his hand.
"It's been tough watching from the sidelines, especially with the team travelling so well," he said.
"It's really competitive for a spot in the team at the moment, which is definitely a good thing."
"It's a sign that we have a lot of depth and are in good form."
Prior has been named on an extended bench, while Jason Nightingale replaces the injured Beau Scott in the centres.
Dashing Canberra full-back Josh Dugan has been rushed back into the Canberra side for Sunday's match against Melbourne at Canberra Stadium.
Joel Monaghan will return after playing for the Blues in Origin I.
David Shillington and Troy Thompson will start up front, with Dane Tilse moving to the bench and Scott Logan dropping out of the squad.
"We're boosted by the return of Joel Monaghan from Origin, while Josh Dugan gets another chance after some great games for (feeder club) Souths Logan," coach David Furner said.
"We've also gone for some mobility on the bench with Nigel Plum and Joe Picker."
Struggling South Sydney has named injured star Craig Wing in its team to meet Newcastle on Monday night despite the experienced utility pulling out of the NSW side with a hamstring strain.
Wing is considered an unlikely starter but the desperate Rabbitohs will give him every chance to play.