The speedster will start on the wing against Melbourne Rebels at Seiffert Oval, one of four changes to the team who were beaten by NSW Waratahs to start the season last week.

Former CSU teammate Claudia Obst also comes into the starting side joining former Leeton player Remi Wilton in the halves.

Tumut's Michelle Perry, the team's vice-captain, has retained her place in the centres.

Ag College's Harriet Elleman will start on the bench alongside former Waratahs player Jane Garraway.

After missing out on being selected to take on the defending premiers last week, Dawa can't wait to get a taste of the top level.

"I'm so keen to get the opportunity to play on the field," Dawa said.

"It will be my first game so I'm really excited about that.

"I missed out last week but hopefully this week I can prove that I can do on the field and take the most of the opportunity."

Dawa can play in various roles through the back line but has been named on the wing, a position she's very familiar with due to her time with Reddies.

Watching on from the sidelines last week, the 18-year-old speedster is looking to model her approach on what she saw.

"I was watching the girls and taking in notes from the other wingers," Dawa said.

"I think there a few things they did better than I can try to do this weekend."

The 18-year-old is also looking forward to linking Obst.

The pair spent plenty of time together in Southern Inland and Dawa believes it's a combination that works well.

"I've played club footy with Claudia for a while and I feel comfortable on the field with her," she said.

"It is good to see so many Riverina girls out there and playing together."

While a big improvement on their trial performance, the Brumbies went down 26-0 in their first game.

Melbourne were hammered 112-0 by Queensland Reds to start the season, but Dawa is sure they will come out firing.

"With the result Melbourne had we are expecting a big fight," she said.

"They will be trying to hit back from that and prove that score doesn't mean how good their players are.

"I'm expecting a hard game."

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