NSW Waratahs No.8 Wycliff Palu is likely to play in Friday's Super 14 derby against the Brumbies in Canberra after being cleared by a specialist to train this week.

Palu visited a specialist on Tuesday, who confirmed a crack in his hand, but now only needs to get through this week's two sessions to take his place for the unbeaten Tahs.

NSW coach Chris Hickey named a 24-man squad on Tuesday, with new signing Luke Doherty the shadow for Palu.

Prop Jeremy Tilse was named as cover for tight-head Al Baxter, who is in doubt after suffering a calf strain.

If Baxter plays, he will make his 100th appearance for the state.

"Much like Benn Robinson was last week, Al Baxter's 50-50 at this stage," Hickey said.

"He suffered a calf strain against the Reds, but he did finish the match off which is always a good sign.

"We'll have to monitor Al's load throughout the week, so we've brought in Jeremy Tilse again to prepare with the side and he'll be ready to go if needed."

Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau will undergo a neurological test on Wednesday after he suffered concussion in the win over Queensland.

Under International Rugby Board rules, a concussed player must undergo the test to be eligible to play the following week, and Waratahs officials are confident Polota-Nau will be cleared.

No replacement was named for him in the squad.

Hickey, who was an assistant coach with the Brumbies in 1997, said the squad was ready for round two of its Australian derbies.

"I think anyone who watched last week's match against the Reds would agree that the all-Australian matches hold a certain level of intrigue and passion, and that will be there again on Friday when we play the Brumbies," he said.

"Canberra Stadium is one of those really good grounds to play footy at.

"The crowd provides a great atmosphere and we're looking forward to the challenge of getting down there and putting our best foot forward."

NSW Waratahs squad: Al Baxter, Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess, Will Caldwell, Tom Carter, Dave Dennis, Luke Doherty, Adam Freier, Daniel Halangahu, Rob Horne, Ben Mowen, Dean Mumm, Sam Norton-Knight, Dan Palmer, Wycliff Palu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Brett Sheehan, Timana Tahu, Chris Thomson, Jeremy Tilse, Lote Tuqiri, Lachie Turner, Phil Waugh (capt).

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