The club juniors were brought in by Blacks coach Bobby Tynan for the round eight clash in the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union competition.

“They have youth and enthusiasm,” Tynan said.

“We have been fishing down the same hole for a while and haven’t caught any fish, so it’s time to move on and try something else.

“They are two blokes on debut ... Theo [Risley] deserves his chance and Jye [Estatheo] hasn’t looked out of place in seconds since coming up from colts.”

Risley replaces the injured second-rower Ryan Vesper (calf) while Estatheo, son of Blacks two-time first grade premiership winner Geordie, comes in for Jordy Lantry (reserve grade) at outside centre.

The other change for the Blacks, who were beaten 33-15 last week by reigning premiers The Waratahs, sees Dan Leadley dropped from the front row for Kurt Courtney.

An earlier injury concern for fullback Josh McCormack (ankle) has been averted and he remains at No.15 while Josh Gray is away with duties for the Australian Services representative side against NSW Country at Singleton on Saturday.

The seventh-placed Blacks have lost four of their last five encounters while lake Macquarie had their first win of the season on Saturday with a 38-21 victory against University.

“It’s a must win game for us,” Tynan said.

“We need this to stay in the points race [on the competition ladder].”

In other round eight fixtures Merewether tackle The Waratahs, Hamilton host Nelson Bay, University have Southern Beaches while undefeated ladder leaders Wanderers meet Easts.

All matches kick off at 3pm.