Japan fullback Ayumu Goromaru was named on the bench for the Queensland Reds' Super Rugby opener against Waratahs on Saturday, while Japan teammate Hendrik Tui has been handed a start as a flanker in Thursday's team announcement.
Goromaru made an 11-minute cameo debut in the Reds' final preseason match against Brumbies last Friday, and is now in line to make his debut in the premier competition.
"I'll prepare well to make sure I can be called upon any time," Goromaru said. "First and foremost, I'm happy to be named to the team in my first year in Super Rugby.
"Off course it's better to start the game but I don't think being on the bench is a bad thing. I don't know how it'll go on the pitch but I feel the expectations are high, and I'd like to put in efforts to meet them."
New Zealand-born Tui made his Super Rugby debut with Reds on June 6, 2015. He came on as a substitute in that game and the next, the Reds' season finale.