New Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen will make his 2008 debut when he leads the Sharks out in Saturday night's NRL trial against Newcastle in Cessnock.

Gallen sat out last week's diabolical 44-0 hammering at the hands of Souths, prompting coach Ricky Stuart to make a host of changes for what is the final pre-season hit-out for both sides.

Ben Ross, Luke Douglas, Reece Williams and Ben Pomeroy also come into the side, but five-eighth Greg Bird remains on the sidelines, his availability for round one in question due to a hamstring injury suffered at training.

Much-hyped recruit Karl Filiga will start the game on the bench with Fraser Anderson returning to the centres to partner Ben Pomeroy after playing in the backrow last weekend.

The Knights have also named a full strength side with skipper Danny Buderus, Steve Simpson, Jarrod Mullen and Kurt Gidley all expected to play significant minutes.

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