Last year's Super Rugby rookie of the year Pat McCabe will audition for a permanent shift to fullback when the Brumbies take on Queensland in a trial on Friday night.

As if meeting twice during the expanded Super 15 season isn't enough, the Brumbies and Reds will begin by slogging it out in the Darwin heat.

McCabe impressed coach Andy Friend with his performances at fullback on the Brumbies' tour of France in 2009.

The 22-year-old then enjoyed a breakout season in 2010, earning a place on the Wallabies' spring tour, a debut cap, and the honour of being named the rugby union players' association newcomer of the year.

Friend said McCabe's outstanding season on the wing last year has now earned him the right to make his first start in the No.15 on Australian soil.

"He'll wear the No.15 tomorrow night following on from the great season he had for us last year on the wing," Friend said.

"He played there on the French tour so we know what he can do there. He was our best back on the wing last year and at fullback he'll just have more room to move."

Veteran Mark Chisholm has been named Brumbies captain for the trial for the first time in his career.

Friend is looking to put training into practice and said the trial would answer some questions about selection as players compete for positions.

"It's a chance to put everything we've trained for over the past 13 weeks into a game situation and hopefully get some confidence out of it," Friend told AAP.

"We've got some real competition across the board, particularly in the forwards. We've got two current Wallabies hookers, and there will be plenty of competition in the front row and back rows as well."

Reds' front row recruit Guy Shepherdson will get the chance to prove a point against his old side when he comes off the bench to play tight-head.

Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie understands the Brumbies will play their first-string pack in the second half, so Shepherdson will get the chance to pack down against them.

Shepherdson played in the 2007 World Cup but hasn't been seen at international level since.

He fell out favour at the Brumbies last year, but at the Reds he has a fresh start and a chance to compete with young gun James Slipper for a starting spot.

McKenzie is also keeping an open mind about playing James Horwill on the side of the scrum, with the 25-year-old named at blindside flanker instead of second row for the trial.

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