The under 23s side travel to take on Newcastle at Penrith on Saturday.

They were knocked in the second round by Monaro last year but this time around tackle perennial heavyweights Newcastle and Illawarra in the next fortnight for the chance to progress to the next stage.

Riley Flint is among those part of the side last year.

The 20-year-old expects it will be a big challenge.

"They will be tough especially Newcastle," Flint said.

"Their comp is pretty strong."

Named on the wing for the representative clash, Flint has made the move back to Brothers this season after two years with Southcity.

He struggled to break into the first grade side with the Bulls last season, especially after missing six weeks due to university placement, but is enjoying being back at his junior club.

"I missed playing footy with the boys I played under 18s with mostly," Flint said.

"I also had injuries and uni commitments so I was away for a lot of the season over the last few years."

Riverina have made two changes to the side who downed Victoria Thunderbolts under 20s in their trial last month.

Albury recruit Luke Ingram has comes into front row, with James Hay dropping to the bench, while Mitch Bennett is in the centres after being unavailable for the trial.

Coach Jody Rudd believes the side learnt a lot from the trial and is after a strong start at St Mary’s League Stadium.

"A lot of these guys were part of that under 18s Country Championship side from several years ago so they know how to win at this level," Rudd said.

"I'm pretty confident we can put a good showing forward.

"Early on in the game is going to be really important but as long as we can stay with the pace of the game early and keep ourselves in the game I think we should be able to come over the top of them," Rudd said.

It will be the fourth representative game with Riverina taking on Penrith Panthers in the Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cups before Riverina's women and under 23s tackle Newcastle.

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