Incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss has promised Zac Lomax a baptism of fire when the NRL convert makes his rugby debut for the Western Force in Brisbane.
Lomax has been named on the bench to face the Kiss-coached Queensland Reds (4-2) and is likely to be thrust into the role of a winger when he steps out on to Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.
The Super Rugby Pacific debut will mark a significant first step in Lomax's rugby journey, with the former NRL star having not played the game since his primary school days.
The 26-year-old had established himself as an elite try-scorer and goal-kicker at State of Origin and Test level before his attempted move to R360 backfired when the breakaway league was postponed.
He's now targeting next year's home Rugby World Cup after a controversial bid to join the Melbourne Storm this season was ended in an out-of-court settlement ahead of a potential NSW Supreme Court hearing.
"A lot of attention around it ... he's a quality player in league and I'm sure he's going to have his good moments, but it takes a long time to learn the nuances," said Kiss, who will take over as Wallabies coach in August.
"It doesn't come easy."
Kiss, himself a former representative rugby league winger, said his men would likely target Lomax with high balls when he enters the fray.
"He's got to expect that, but I'm sure they're going to use the high ball and get him to chase as well, because that's one of his key strengths," the coach said.
Former Wallabies star Kurtley Beale has played a key role in fast-tracking Lomax's progression while flanker Carlo Tizzano has worked with him around the ruck.
Force coach Simon Cron, who has overseen a frustrating 1-5 campaign, said Lomax had learned plenty from his two weeks of training.
"He's a natural athlete - big, strong, fast, powerful," Cron said on Wednesday.
"We've done a bit of work with him since he got here, he's very confident he's ready ... he's a great player, and he's ready to go."
Wallabies winger Dylan Pietsch has been thrust straight back into the Force's starting side after recovering from a foot injury that has grounded him since the pre-season.
But Tizzano (knee) has been ruled out for at least two weeks and concussed captain Jeremy Williams will miss the clash.
Contrasting the Force's start to the season, the fourth-placed Reds boast a 4-2 record.
Reds flyhalf Tom Lynagh wasn't considered for selection due to illness but Carter Gordon returns in the No.10 to partner Kalani Thomas, while fellow Wallabies Josh Flook and Matt Faessler are also back from injury.
Waratahs No.9 Teddy Wilson will start against the Chiefs on Saturday while flanker Charlie Gamble and outside centre Triston Reilly will also return to the starting side.
