The 17-year-old will line up at hooker for the Wagga side's crucial clash against Southcity at Equex Centre.

After coming off the bench for his first game in the top grade a fortnight ago, this time Hurst will start at hooker.

He went back to reserve grade last week but with captain Zac Graham out, coach Simon Woolford has called upon the schoolboy.

Hurst is out to make it count.

"It's a big role and big shoes to fill with Zac out but I'm excited for the opportunity," Hurst said. "I'm honoured that Simon picked me."

Hurst came off the bench and into hooker during the heavy loss to Kangaroos earlier this month.

The result was far from what he wanted but the debut was something the 17-year-old had set his sights on achieving this season.

"I got 25 minutes against a good, quality side in Young so it was a good first experience," Hurst said.

"It was a lot quicker but I really enjoyed it and loved the opportunity.

"It was really reassuring to be part of the team."

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After being part of last year's Weissel Cup premiership, Hurst made an early jump to seniors this season.

He's had plenty of roles in reverse grade, including stints at fullback, in the halves and lock, but hooker remains his preference.

Having Woolford as a mentor has only strengthened that.

"He's helped me a heap to really develop my game and it's a massive honour to have him guide me," Hurst said.

Hurst is looking to help stop the side's slide down the ladder.

Kangaroos sit in fifth on percentage after losing six of their last eight games and with Temora tackling winless Brothers on Sunday could slip out of a finals position for the first time this season if they don't turn things around against the Bulls.

However injuries haven't been kind with Graham, Jake Mascini and Luke Ingram all set to miss the clash following the 8-6 loss to Temora last week.

The 17-year-old won't be the only Hurst on the field come Saturday and he's looking forward to taking on cousin Tim, who has been a mainstay in the Bulls line up for most of the last decade.

"It's an important game and I'm playing against Tim as well," Hurst said.

"That makes it a massive game as I've been looking forward to that.

"All my life I've grown up watching him as he's played first grade since he was 17.

"He's probably been one of my big influences in league so to finally play against him is another dream come true."