Barrett hasn’t played since 2012 but has been elevated from second grade for the clash.

Formerly a Country representative in the back line, Barrett will play at flanker in place of Sean Kearnes.

The 31-year-old is looking forward to getting back on the field.

“I am looking forward to it, but I don’t know how long-lived it will be,” Barrett said.

“It is probably only because Sean Kearnes is away with work but I am happy to get the opportunity to have a run around in first grade.”

After playing for Waratahs in 2012, Barrett spent a season playing Australian rules for Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes before damaging his knee in a third grade game for Waratahs two seasons ago.

After undergoing surgery last year, Barrett has made his comeback through the forwards.

He said he was been enjoying the challenge of the different aspect of the sport.

“It has been great,” Barrett said. “It has been a good challenge and it is really enjoyable learning something different.”

Waratahs coach Will Mitchell said Barrett has earned his way back into the team after some impressive efforts in second grade since returning from injury in May.

“He has been playing really good footy in second grade and has really adapted well to moving to the forwards,” Mitchell said.

“He has worked extremely to do the rehab and get his knee right.

“Even at the start of the year, when he knee wasn’t right to get into contact he would still get into training and work hard by himself.

“It is a real credit to him and his hard work is being rewarded.”

Kearns is away playing with Australian Services rugby team and is expected to miss the last two weeks.

The return of Barrett is one of two changes to the ladder leaders forward pack.

Tom Dunstan comes in at hooker to replace Jock Munro.

Munro was heavily concussed in the 104-0 win over Albury on Saturday and will be given plenty of time to recover.

“We are making sure his health comes first and he will be taking minimum this week off and we will reassess it,” Mitchell said.

“(Dunstan) has been in the best for two all year and has definitely earned his spot.

“He is champing at the bit.”

After missing last week, captain Tim Corcoran returns to inside centre, pushing Bart Whiteley back onto the wing.

With very wet conditions expected at Beres Ellwood Oval, Mitchell isn’t expecting the undefeated team to have an easy time of it against a Reddies outfit desperate for their first win of the season.

“We are pretty self-indulged at the moment and reallt focusing on us,” he said.

“The next three weeks after this are tough games of footy, which is exactly what you want coming into finals.”