NSW coach Chris Hickey has named a near full-strength side to take on Fiji in the Waratahs' opening trial match against Fiji on Friday.

Every available squad member will receive 40-60 minutes of game-time at the Sydney Football Stadium, with Hickey naming 28 players to take on the Pacific Island nation.

Thirteen internationals and seven players returning from the Spring Tour will line up for the Waratahs, while Daniel Halangahu, Damien Fitzpatrick, Jeremy Tilse, Pat O'Connor and Brendan McKibbin will miss the match through Australian Barbarian commitments.

"We always knew we wanted everyone who is available to play in the first trial, however the unfortunate flipside to that is you're not in the best situation to give everyone the game time they need," said Hickey.

"With the Australian Barbarians match on Saturday, it enables a number of those players pushing for places in the 22 to get a good amount of game time which is better for them than getting just 20 minutes at the end."

The `Tahs have named a strong team which will see Lachie Turner trialled in the No.13 jersey while Tom Carter and Ryan Cross will both have opportunities to impress at inside centre.

Afa Pakalani, recruited from Auckland in the off-season, will partner Kurtley Beale and Drew Mitchell in the back three.

Wycliff Palu makes his rugby return almost ten months after suffering a severe knee injury against the Crusaders.

Sekope Kepu gets the first chance in the No.1 jersey up front, with Benn Robinson sitting out the match after suffering a slight calf strain.

"We'll be doing our best to ensure over both trials that everyone in contention for the opening round gets the game time they need to be fit for the first match, and that they also have the chance to push their claims for selection," said Hickey.

Cam Jowitt (foot) and Locky McCaffrey (leg/ankle) are both on a long-term recovery from injury while Rob Horne (elbow), Brackin Karauria-Henry (back) and Pat McCutcheon (back) are all hoping for game time before round one.

Meanwhile, the Waratahs have added an extra player to their 2011 squad with former Australian Schoolboys rep Tom Kingston elevated to a Super Rugby contract just weeks out from the start of the season.

Waratahs squad: Backs: Kurtley Beale, Afa Pakalani, Lachie Turner, Tom Carter, Drew Mitchell, Berrick Barnes, Luke Burgess. Forwards: Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (capt), Ben Mowen, Dean Mumm, Kane Douglas, Al Baxter, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Sekope Kepu. Interchange: Scott Sio, John Ulugia, Greg Peterson, Dave Dennis, Josh Holmes, Sosene Anesi, Ryan Cross, Ben Seymour, Sitaleki Timani, Paddy Ryan, Chris Alcock, Lopeti Timani, Tom Kingston.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP