Withyman will line up for an extended Newcastle Knights squad in a trial match against the Newcastle Rugby League representative squad, which will feature the likes of younger Pickers teammates Marco Delapena and Brenton Horwood.

All three were part of the Pickers successful minor-major premiership defence last season but Withyman has spent the off-season training with the Knights NSW Cup squad, formally known as the Central Coast Centurions.

Pickers coach Ron Griffiths said it has been mutually beneficial for Withyman and his club team ahead of the 2012 season, with Friday’s fixture providing the frontman with another opportunity to impress.

“It is good for him [Withyman] and good for us [the Pickers],” Griffiths said.

“He is a notable trainer anyway so he was already looking after himself, but four or five weeks down there won’t hurt him either.

“He already has the runs on the board in town but this is another chance to show his worth.”

Withyman will play the second half of the encounter while Knights full-time squad members such as Sam Anderson, Kevin Naiqaima and Tyrone Roberts will run around in the first 40 minutes.

Opposing the NRL players will be the likes of Pickers young guns Horwood and Delapena, with Griffiths endorsing the chance and highlighting the rise of Maitland teammate Jacob Sinclair in 2011.

“It will be a great opportunity for them,” Griffiths said.

“To have a trail with the defending country champions against quality opposition will be a big buzz.

“And the thing is, Jacob Sinclair played this same trial last year and went on to make the NSW Country team.

“This shows what can come out of it and for these two young guys [Delapena and Horwood] the experience will be a big thing.”

Pickers skipper Colby Schrader, five-eighth Jade Porter and winger Hayden Crouch all withdrew from the Newcastle representative squad for the match after being picked initially.

Also out of action will be East Maitland junior Robbie Rochow, who was set to play his first match in red and blue colours since returning to the Knights at the end of last season.

Rochow will instead watch from the sidelines after undergoing minor knee surgery last week.

The Knights National Youth Competition (under 20s) squad play the curtain-raiser against the newly formed Port Stephens Sharks.

There will be a strong local contingent in the Knights squad, set to be led by West Maitland junior Geordie Connelly.

The main game kicks off at 7.30pm with the curtain-raiser starting two hours earlier.