Coach Richard Graham has named a 30-man squad for the Reds' first warm-up match against the Crusaders on Saturday.

The squad features 10 newcomers to the Reds side, with captain Rob Simmons set to lead the team.  

Graham believes the team's pre-season training should stand them in good stead for the 2016 competition.

'I’m excited by the progress we’ve made physically in the pre-season, but it’s now about testing ourselves under pressure. There is a lot of competition for spots and that’s a good position to be in.'

One vital clash to watch will be that of the young flyhalves. Both Jake McIntyre and Ben Volavola will be looking to impress their coaches going into the start of the season as they try to fill the boots of Quade Cooper and Dan Carter respectively. 

Reds – 15 Karmichael Hunt, 14 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 13 Samu Kerevi, 12 Henry Taefu, 11 Eto Nabuli, 10 Jake McIntyre, 9 Nick Frisby, 8 Jake Schatz, 7 Liam Gill, 6 Lolo Fakaosilea, 5 Rob Simmons (c), 4 Cadeyrn Neville, 3 Sam Talakai, 2 Andrew Ready, 1 Ben Daley.
Subs: Saia Fainga’a, Sef Fa’agase, Taniela Tupou, Ben Matwijow, Lukhan Tui, Curtis Browning, Maclean Jones, Michael Gunn, James Tuttle, Mack Mason, Chris Kuridrani, Duncan Paia’aua, Campbell Magnay, Alex Gibbon, Sam Greene.

Photo: Getty Images