Waratahs star and Randwick fullback Andrew Kellaway will return to the Intrust Shute Shield alongside Super Rugby teammates Dave Horwitz and Reece Robinson for Saturday’s crucial clash against rivals Eastern Suburbs.

With Super Rugby on a one month hiatus, the trios return comes at the perfect time for the Galloping Greens who dropped out of the Shute Shield top six for the first time this week.

“It’s always nice to go back and be able to test ourselves in clubland,” Kellaway said.

“You always know it’s going to be a good challenge because you have guys going after you so I’m really looking forward to getting back to Randwick and playing with those guys.”

The 20-year old made his Super Rugby debut against the Rebels in round six this year and has made the Waratahs No.15 jersey his own in recent weeks, following Israel Folau’s shift to outside centre.

“Once I got into the swing of things, the confidence started to come. The older guys like Issy (Folau) and KB (Beale) have been really good and have taken me under their wing and that helped me develop that confidence,” he said.

“It’s been a really good few weeks and hopefully we can finish the season strong.”

But Kellaway’s immediate focus is on Saturday’s clash against Easts, where he’ll play alongside his twin brother Nick and a handful of other close mates.

“I’ve been keeping a pretty close eye on them (Randwick). They’ve had a tough few weeks recently but all the signs of a good team are there so it will be good to come back and have a run around with the guys,” he said.

“It’s always awesome to play at Randwick because they love to attack and that’s the kind of footy we all want to play.”

Kellaway and Horwitz helped a young Randwick side reach the Shute Shield finals in 2015 and the fullback said he’s been impressed with how quickly the team has developed in the opening half of this season.

“Not a lot has changed really. Dave (Horwitz) is going to play inside centre which will be different. I don’t think he has ever played No.12 at Randwick but everything else is pretty well the same,”

“We’ll look to play attacking footy and I think everyone is really keen to get down to Easts on a dry track on Saturday and have a good crack at them.”

Kellaway and Horwitz also spent the last two seasons playing in the National Rugby Championships with the NSW Country Eagles, a joint venture of Randwick and Easts and a side coached by Easts mentor Darren Coleman.

“I always really enjoy playing against Easts. The local derby is always tough and has plenty of history and tradition behind it so it’s always nice to get down there and have a crack at those guys.”

“Then you add to that the Country Eagles element, it’s going to be a cracker.”

Kellaway said he thought it was important that Super Rugby players returned to play for their clubs when available.

“Obviously it’ s great for us because we need the game time but I think it also helps the clubs as well. I remember when guys came back to Randwick, straight away you notice how they prepare for games and you get a better idea of what you need to do to get to that next level.

“It also gives you the opportunity to try some stuff that maybe you can’t do at Super Rugby level.”

Elsewhere, Norths have named Waratahs prop Angus Ta’avao and Reds lock Ben Matwijow in their side to play Warringah, the Rats have named Tongan international Paula Kaho at No.8 and Manly welcome back Tahs halfback Matt Lucas.