The 19-year-old from Ashtonfield will start on the wing for the Pickers against Wyong on Saturday after being called up from reserves by coach Ron Griffiths earlier this week.

But having the chance to train with the Pickers’ top grade on various occasions already in 2012 has Morrison, a former Newcastle and Knights junior representative, at relative ease heading into the round 10 encounter at Morry Breen Oval.

“I’ve had the opportunity to train with Ron’s side a few times this year and it has been good,” Morrison said.

“Guys like Marco [Delapena] and Joel [Osborn] have given me plenty of encouragement and made me feel pretty welcome.”

Morrison, captain of the Pickers’ under 18s team last year, will be on one wing and Osborn the other as Delapena slots into fullback for the absent Ryan Walker. Kick off is 5pm.

Also on Saturday the third-placed Kurri Kurri Bulldogs are at home to the hapless Port Stephens, who have failed to register a point this season.

“We have to make sure we don’t take them too lightly otherwise it could come back to bite us,” Bulldogs player-coach George Ndaira said.

In other Newcastle Rugby League fixtures on the weekend Cessnock host a top of the table clash with Macquarie, Lakes meet South Newcastle while Western Suburbs will look to bounce back against Central Newcastle after a 34-28 loss to the Pickers on Sunday.